Collingwood has categorically denied a rumour that it’s parted ways with chief executive Craig Kelly.
Carlton legend and popular radio host Brendan Fevola sensationally claimed on Fox radio on Thursday morning that he’d heard a whisper the Magpies had axed Kelly in a swift behind-the-scenes move.
“(Kelly) has departed the footy club. No one knows yet. I think they were trying to hold off until the end of the year, which is Friday night as their last game,” Fevola revealed.
McFarlane also revealed Kelly was in at the club on Thursday working on the reshaping of Collingwood’s football department including beginning the search to replace ex-footy boss Graham Wright, who won’t return to the club following a lengthy international sabbatical this year.
“All I can say is Collingwood do not know where the rumour started and said it’s not true, they were very strong on that today,” McFarlane said on Thursday night’s program.
The case against Kelly, who took over as Collingwood CEO in January 2023, is listed for a court hearing on August 27.
“You’d love to get a bit more clarity. Because you would hate for Collingwood, having gone through the Do Better report fallout, to have to withstand this for the better part of 12 months,” fellow Herald Sun reporter Jon Ralph added on Midweek Tackle.
“We understand what controversy can do (like to) the Melbourne Football Club.”