Andrew Demetriou Biography

The Essendon board want to speak to James Hird following Hird's wife Tania recently reviving claims AFL CEO Andrew Demetriou tipped-off the Bombers about the supplements scandal.

"This is more about speaking to James and letting him give us his ideas and thoughts behind what has happened. At this point in time that hasn't happened so we just need to wait," Essendon chairman Paul Little said.

"It's been a particularly busy day today with unscheduled board meetings. I think with James there'll be time to speak with James and that's probably next week when the dust settles on the events of tonight."

Tania Hird, wife of suspended Essendon coach James Hird, revives the explosive allegation that AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou tipped off the club about the club's supplements scandal.

Hird, who is a lawyer, claims she was listening on a speaker phone when her husband spoke to Evans on July 25.

"I was taking notes - I take a lot of notes," she told the ABC's 7.30.

"David admitted that he said to James 'go into ASADA and tell the whole truth, but don't say what Andrew Demetriou told us'.

"It has been referred to as the tip-off.

"James did say in return 'if I'm not asked about it, I won't offer it up, but if I'm asked about it, like anything I'm asked about, I will answer it honestly and truthfully and to the best of my knowledge'."

AFL CEO Andrew Demetriou denies reports published in The Australian that the AFL Commission asked him to resign.

"It offended me because it was wrong," Demetriou told Fox Footy's On The Couch program.

"I had made the decision a long time ago. I'd actually told a few people confidentially.

"So I don't know where he (journalist Patrick Smith) got that from. It's just wrong."

Andrew Demetriou has announced he will stand down as AFL chief executive at the end of the 2014 season after 11 years at the helm.

"Every organisation needs renewal, needs a new set of eyes," Demetriou said.

"I've always said it was a privilege and an honour to serve the game. I also believe the time is right.

"The growth of the game has been extraordinary. It's been a wonderful journey full of challenges but I wouldn't have it any other way.

I leave the game with no regrets."

AFL CEO Andrew Demetriou praises the work Jim Stynes has done for Melbourne and wishes him a speedy recovery.

"He now faces his biggest battle ... and we wish him a speedy recovery. It's a terribly difficult time for Jim and his family," he said.

"We want nothing more than to see Jim Stynes return to health and return to being the president of the Melbourne Football Club.

"I know that through these difficult times, the football community and mainstream community will wish Jim and his family the best."