Glenora Bears v Pt Chevalier Pirates Fox Memorial Final rugby league match at Mt Smart Stadium, Auckland, 2022 Photo: PHOTOSPORT
A police investigation has been launched into possible financial irregularities at Auckland Rugby League.
In a statement, ARL chief executive Rebecca Russell said a preliminary investigation by accounting firm PwC showed evidence of mis-applied funds dating back to 2013 and the ARL has suspended three directors.
Russell was unable to go into detail regarding the nature of the misappropriated spending but said the matter has also been referred to the police and Serious Fraud Office.
She said chairperson Shane Price, elected director Tasha Tasmania and two independent directors, Struan Abernethy and Julian Butson, will continue to provide the governance necessary to ensure the ongoing activities and operations of ARL while a more comprehensive investigation is undertaken.
Russell said it is a difficult time for ARL but they are committed to transformation.
"When I joined ARL eighteen months ago I said that I would transform the organisation on all levels. This is one of the areas of ARL that needed to transform and our clubs, players, staff, sponsors and stakeholders can take great confidence in the management of ARL and our transformation plans."
