Channel 7 commentator Kane Cornes has stepped down from his role on the AFL All-Australian selection panel due to Sportsbet’s policy change.

Sportsbet recently implemented a change to no longer employ officials from any code in the wake of the saga involving AFL umpire Nick Foot.

The All-Australian selection panel also vote on the Rising Star award, which can be bet on with the bookmaker.

Given the conflict, Cornes has decided to step down from his official role with the AFL. Cornes has been on the panel since 2022.

7NEWS chief AFL reporter Mitch Cleary said Cornes’ ongoing agreement with Sportsbet-produced programs will remain.

The move comes after Foot cut ties with the betting giant in the wake of the Zak Butters tribunal saga.

7NEWS understands Foot was informed late last week that his services would no longer be required by Sportsbet.

The AFL has continually backed Foot in recent weeks and remained comfortable with his partnership as a horse racing analyst with the bookmaker.

In a statement provided to 7NEWS on Monday, Foot said he has nothing but good memories from his time with Sportsbet.

“My time with the Get On racing team is something I’ll always value,” he said.

“Broadcasting racing, working alongside close mates, and interviewing the people who make the industry tick has been a genuine highlight.

“I’m a proud horse racing and umpiring person and continue to share a passion for both.

“Playing a small part in the AFL is a privilege, and I look forward to continuing to serve the game with professionalism in my role for years to come.”

Foot reported Butters during Port Adelaide’s Gather Round loss to St Kilda at the Adelaide Oval for abusive or insulting language towards an umpire.

He told the tribunal Butters asked him, “How much are they (St Kilda) paying you?” after a free kick was awarded to St Kilda.

Butters strongly denied the comment but was found guilty by the tribunal before the matter was thrown out by the appeals board on a legal technicality.

It’s understood the Foot-Butters matter has forced an internal change of policy by Sportsbet to no longer employ officials from any code.

Foot has umpired has umpired 272 AFL games, including the 2024 grand final.