AFL CEO Stands by Snoop Dogg GF Booking After Player’s Homophobic Slur Ban

AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon has spoken out in support of the league’s decision to book Snoop Dogg as this year’s AFL Grand Final headliner, despite recent controversy.

The defence comes in the same week Adelaide Crows star Izak Rankine was handed a four-game suspension for directing a homophobic slur at a Collingwood opponent. In a statement issued on Thursday evening (August 21), Dillon addressed criticism of the move, acknowledging that Snoop Dogg has previously shared homophobic remarks online but maintaining the US rapper remains the right choice to lead the MCG pre-game entertainment on September 27.

"We cannot vouch for every lyric in every song ever written or performed by any artist who has appeared on our stage — Australian or international," Dillon said.

"What I can say is that our pre-match entertainment on AFL Grand Final day will be family-friendly and consistent with the audience at the MCG and those watching the broadcast.

"It is also important to remember that we engaged Snoop Dogg in 2025 as the person he is today.

"He has spoken publicly about his past, he has changed, and today he is a grandfather, philanthropist, he helps rehabilitate youth and is a global entertainer who has performed at both the Super Bowl and the Olympic Closing Ceremony to audiences of more than 100 million people.

"In those environments his performance was appropriate and well-received, and his performance this year at our Grand Final will be fitting for the best sporting event in the country."

Snoop Dogg, who will make his debut performance at the MCG next month, shared his excitement at the headline slot.

“It’s an absolute honour to be hitting the stage at the AFL Grand Final — it’s one of the biggest events on the Aussie calendar,” he said. “Can’t wait to bring the energy and celebrate with the fans. Let’s make it unforgettable.”

Despite last year hosting pop superstar Katy Perry, Mushroom Group CEO matt Gudinski thinks Snoop’s set might be the biggest performance yet.

“The AFL Grand Final is the crown jewel of Australian sport and each year they continue to raise the bar in world-class entertainment and 2025 is no exception,” Gudinski said.