A Google Drive file, which reportedly contains screenshots, photos and videos of AFL stars, is being investigated by both the league and police.

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A number of clubs are understood to have contacted the AFL when the images began circulating.

An AFL spokesman said: “The AFL has been made aware of private and personal images of past and present AFL players being distributed and shared illegally and without consent after being contacted by a number of AFL clubs.

“The images have been circulated by an anonymous person/s and it is alleged the files feature private and personal images of past and present AFL players however it is important to note that many of the images are yet to be verified for identification.”

He went on to add: “There appears to have been significant work involved in gathering the images and creating files for distribution.

“The AFL has no information regarding why the personal images have been circulated illegally and without consent or what the motive is in doing so.”

The Google Drive file reportedly lists each player’s name, followed by a folder of explicit, graphic photos – allegedly of said individual.

One of the players caught up in the scandal told the Herald Sun: “It’s a gross breach of privacy. It’s just not fair.”

The AFL Players’ Association released a statement which read: “The AFL Players’ Association is aware of the AFL investigating a collection of explicit images that have been distributed of past and present players without their consent.

“While it is important to note that some of the images may not be legitimate, this is an appalling and disgusting act and a likely unlawful breach of privacy that is unacceptable.

“We ask the public to treat this matter seriously by not seeking out or sharing any of these photos and respecting the rights and privacy of those impacted.

“We will support our impacted members through our legal and wellbeing services. This is now a police matter, and we will continue to assist as necessary.”

The AFL’s Integrity Unit is understood to have spent the last 15 hours working with the eSafety Commissioner as they attempt to remove the content from the internet.

Police have also been alerted in a number of states.

The AFL spokesman continued: “While the AFL understands there may be great interest in this update, it wishes to reinforce the images have been shared illegally and without consent.

“The AFL asks everyone to please respect the rights and privacy of those past and present players who have had personal images illegally shared without their consent or approval.

“AFLIU has contacted the eSafety Commissioner and is working closely with eSafety to have the images removed as soon as possible.

“The AFL has also made the relevant law enforcement agencies aware of the situation.”

Daily Mail Australia have not verified the authenticity of the images.

They also insist there is no suggestion of any wrongdoing on the part of the AFL players involved.