As of February 5, 2025, there is no official confirmation that Collingwood Football Club’s CEO, Craig Kelly, has departed from the club. In July 2024, serious allegations of racism were made against Kelly by former Collingwood head of First Nations strategy, Mark Cleaver. Cleaver filed documents in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia, alleging that Kelly made offensive racial slurs towards Indigenous players, staff, and a Jewish colleague.

 

In response, Collingwood president Jeff Browne strongly defended Kelly, stating that the club was “backing Craig Kelly in” and intended to contest the proceedings through to a judgment. Browne emphasized that the club had implemented all 18 recommendations from the 2021 ‘Do Better’ report and denied that Collingwood was a racist organization.

 

In August 2024, rumors surfaced suggesting that Kelly had been dismissed from his role. These claims were categorically denied by the club, with reports confirming that Kelly continued his duties, including efforts to reshape Collingwood’s football department.

 

As of now, there have been no official announcements regarding Kelly’s departure from Collingwood. The legal proceedings initiated by Cleaver are ongoing, and the club has maintained its support for Kelly throughout this period.