• AFL bid to induce Bombers, Hird: report

AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou denies the league was behind any deal struck with Essendon coach James Hird over the club’s supplements scandal.

Demetriou is also adamant that Hird is receiving no payment from the Bombers while he serves a 12-month suspension.

The AFL boss also said on Wednesday he is unaware of what happened in back-room negotiations before the league announced the penalties handed down to Essendon.

Demetriou was speaking in reaction to a News Corporation report that gave more detail about the complicated negotiations.

“What the public should know is that we were absolutely true to our process, that we said there was no predetermined outcome and that we would hear the matter on the day,” Demetriou told 3AW.

“We had absolutely no fear, no hesitation in this matter being taken to court.

“I had no fear about me being taken to court.

“The AFL did not offer, did not authorise, inducements and paid … study to the best of my knowledge.

“There would have been absolutely no discussion from anyone at the AFL about (being) paid while you’re not coaching or being suspended.”