AusLeisure

The Australian Sport Anti-Doping Authority (ASADA) is expected to make a final decision in the next month on action to be taken following its investigations into doping issues at AFL and NRL clubs - including Essendon, the Gold Coast Suns and Cronulla.

Retired Federal Court judge Garry Downes has this week handed in his final report to ASADA on the AFL and NRL which will now decide whether to proceed with any action.

On the same day that he was confirmed as the new AFL Chief Executive, Gillon McLachlan told media "my best understanding is that decisions around show-cause letters, or not, will be in the back half of May."

McLachlan was one of the key figures on the AFL side of the joint investigation with ASADA into the Bomber's 2011/12 supplements program.

McLachlan added that the AFL's handling of sanctions against Essendon the last year had made it clear that the AFL had to be more transparent with how it handled such major issues.

He added "a key learning out of last year is that process and transparency are going to have to be prioritised ... rather than what we think is the right solution for the game in the short term."

The AFL hit Essendon with unprecedented penalties, kicking it out of the finals and banning coach James Hird for 12 months.

Judge Downes' report to the anti-doping authority will not be made public as it is part of the ongoing ASADA investigation.

17th April 2014 - FEDERAL SPORT MINISTER’S OVERSIGHT CAUSES DELAY IN ANTI-DOPING INVESTIGATIONS

27th February 2014 - ASADA COMPLETES DOPING PROBE INTO AFL AND NRL

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