Former MVAC CEO and Hawthorn racism report author denies wrongdoing amid reports of financial crime investigation

The author of a report accusing the Hawthorn Football Club of racism says he "at all times acted with honesty and integrity" as Victoria Police investigates historical allegations of financial mismanagement at an Aboriginal support organisation in north-west Victoria where he once worked. Key points: Police are investigating an allegation of fraud at MVAC between 2008 and 2015 The author of the Hawthorn racism report, Phil Egan, was CEO of MVAC from 2010 to 2012 and issued a statement denying any involvement in fraud Egan says police have not spoken to him and he is considering defamation action over media reports linking him to the investigation Former Richmond footballer Phil Egan has "categorically" denied stealing from the Murray Valley Aboriginal Cooperative following media reports he was involved in an investigation of alleged fraud at the organisation. Victoria Police confirmed detectives from the financial crime squad were investigating an allegation of fraud relating to the management of a Robinvale-based organisation but did not say whether Egan was under investigation. "Despite the very historical nature of the alleged wrongdoing and the police investigation having been underway for several months, I have not once been contacted by Victoria Police in relation to the allegations," Mr Egan said.