ALI FAHOUR has stood down from his job as AFL diversity manager after being suspended for 14 matches from his local football league.

The sanction automatically triggers a life ban from football.

"On the basis of the seriousness of the charge and the tribunal sanction, I'll be standing down from my position at the AFL," Fahour said after the Northern Football League tribunal hearing on Wednesday night.

"In this time I'll seek professional help for my behaviours."

Fahour was playing for West Preston-Lakeside in the NFL on Saturday when he punched Whittlesea defender Dale Saddington.

He pleaded guilty to the punch, which was caught on camera.

Together with prior bans, Fahour has now exceeded the career total of 16 weeks of suspension, which results in deregistration from any football league in Australia.

"I've played this game for 29 years, it has given me everything," Fahour said.

"I have loved working for the AFL and running programs that have reached out to communities far and wide."

The AFL has accepted Fahour's resignation.