Disgraced Australian rules football legend Barry Cable could be banished from the sport’s hall of fame by the end of the month under a rule change approved by the AFL Commission.
The change, which comes into effect after the next induction event on June 27, gives the hall of fame committee and AFL Commission power to suspend or revoke the membership of football greats.
It can apply to members who are convicted of indictable offences or have engaged in conduct prejudicial to the interests of the game.
One of football’s most-decorated players, Cable’s standing at the Australian Football Hall of Fame is in question after a judge found the legendary rover sexually abused a Perth girl while at the height of his playing career.
The North Melbourne (VFL), Perth and East Perth (both WAFL) premiership player was inducted into football’s hall of fame in 1996 and upgraded to ‘legend’ status in 2012.
“The AFL acknowledges the court’s findings today and has no further update at this stage,” a league spokesman said on Friday.
Cable is a North Melbourne life member and was inducted into the club’s hall of fame in 2016.
In a statement, the Kangaroos said they are “considering their options” regarding Cable’s status at the club.
Cable also holds legend status in the Sport Australia Hall of Fame, the WA Institute of Sport’s Hall of Champions and the WA Football Hall of Fame.
He was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for services to football.
Lawyer Michael Magazanik, who represented Cable’s victim, said the former footballer should be stripped of his honours immediately.
“It’s time for everyone who has glorified Cable to face the sickening truth and act accordingly,” Magazanik said in a statement on Friday.
Cable has not been charged with any criminal offences.
His victim expects to receive no compensation from the now-bankrupt Cable despite being awarded $818,700.
After a civil trial in the District Court of Western Australia earlier in 2023, Judge Mark Herron on Friday found Cable abused the victim over five years from 1968 when she was aged 12.
Australian Associated Press