THE POLICE investigation into a photo of a topless woman wearing a premiership medal being circulated without her permission has been dropped at the request of the female involved. 

However, the investigation could be opened at a later date.

The photo emerged on social media hours after Richmond's Grand Final win against Adelaide late last month. 

"At the request of the complainant the investigation into the circulation of intimate images has ceased," a statement from Victoria Police read. 

"This current development does not preclude the investigators from reopening the investigation at a later date."

If the investigation continued and the player involved was found guilty, he could have been charged under the 2014 'sexting laws', which has a maximum penalty of two years in jail.