AFL boss Andrew Demetriou says he 'respects' Richard Pratt's decision to stand aside as Carlton Football Club president.
Demetriou said Pratt, who has been charged with lying during an Australian Competition and Consumer Commission hearing, was doing the right thing for the Blues.
"We think that's the appropriate course of action, obviously it's a very serious matter but like anyone in this country he's entitled to the presumption of innocence until he has that matter heard," Demetriou said.
"He's been a terrific and faithful servant to the Carlton Football Club and has helped transform the club, he's put the interests of the Carlton Football Football Club ahead of his own interests so we respect that."
"He loves the Carlton Football Club, he doesn't want to do anything in my view that would distract from the Carlton Football Club's performance on and off the field."
Despite Pratt's situation, Demetriou said they may still be place in the AFL for the high-profile businessman.
"He's stood aside and if he's successful in dealing with this matter, and he is cleared, then he has every right to come back as the Carlton president."
And Demetriou said Pratt's situation had not put the AFL into disrepute.
"The AFL will continue to operate, the AFL respects the decision Mr Pratt has made in this instance," he said.
"He'll face those charges or deal with that matter; there's a process in place and we can't comment any further than that."