An independent investigation into allegations of past racism at AFL club Hawthorn has concluded with “no adverse findings” against any individual.

The AFL established the inquiry in October 2022 to look into complaints made by former Indigenous players.

Former Hawthorn head coach Alastair Clarkson, former assistant Chris Fagan, and ex-welfare manager Jason Burt have all been accused.

The three have all denied wrongdoing.

The claims were revealed by the Binmada report, a leaked study of the team’s treatment of Indigenous people.

Players were allegedly secluded from their families, told to abandon their spouses, and one claimed he was pressured to terminate a pregnancy.

According to the AFL, it and the six anonymous complainants decided to “terminate” the inquiry, “with no charges to be brought against any person subject to the AFL Rules as a result of the Independent Investigation.”

“No adverse findings in the Independent Investigation have been made against any of the individuals against whom allegations have been made,” the governing body stated in a statement.

“The AFL acknowledges that each of the complainants has experienced hurt, pain, and anguish as a result of their time at Hawthorn FC.”

“The AFL is aware that there have been instances of racism in our game’s long history, and that players have been marginalised, hurt, or discriminated against because of their race, for which we apologize.”

The AFL also stated that it will devote more resources to “fighting racism and improving the cultural safety of First Nations players and their families in the AFL and AFLW.”

According to its regulations, Hawthorn might still be charged “with respect to the commissioning and oversight of the Binmada Report.”

“It has been a complex and delicate situation for everyone,” Hawthorn said in a statement. We recognize that it has had a major emotional toll on everyone concerned.

“The club is committed to listening and learning in order to create an inclusive environment for our First Nations people.”

“The club hopes that this will provide an opportunity for healing and will address the pain felt by many.”

Clarkson, who led Hawthorn to four championships from 2008 to 2015, stepped down as North Melbourne Kangaroos head coach earlier this month “to focus on his physical and emotional wellbeing.”

Hawthorn CEO Justin Reeves resigned from his position last week “due to the personal toll and the need to focus on his wellbeing in what has been a very difficult period for the club.”

“Since the Hawthorn Football Club’s Binmada report was leaked without any opportunity for input from the persons against whom serious allegations were made, it has been a period of high distress for all parties,” the AFL noted.

“The AFL wishes to reiterate and acknowledge the significant emotional toll that this complex and delicate situation has taken on everyone affected by it – those who told their stories and those who stood accused – and the public nature of how it has played out since late September 2022.”

AFLPA chief executive Paul Marsh has already claimed that “the AFL industry has an issue with the treatment of First Nations and multicultural players,” with Collingwood being found ‘guilty of systematic racism’ last year.

Champions for the thirteenth time Hawthorn is one of the most successful teams in the AFL, although they are presently 16th and third bottom of the standings.