GOLD Coast SUNS’ player Daniel Rioli was charged with Careless Contact with an Umpire during the club’s Round 14 match against Geelong. That charge was upheld by the AFL Tribunal last night.

As it’s the Gold Coast SUNS’ fifth instance of Careless Contact with an Umpire in the 2026 AFL Season, the AFL has sanctioned the club $20,000. The sanction will be excluded from the club’s soft cap. 

The AFL issued a memo to clubs on February 11, 2026 advising of amendments to AFL Regulations, including the introduction of AFL Regulation 18.2 (Sanction Also on Club - Careless Contact with Umpire). A further memo was sent to clubs on May 20, 2026 reinforcing the new AFL Regulation.

In the event there are any subsequent umpire contact incidents, potential fines will be at the AFL’s discretion.  

AFL Executive General Manager of Football Performance Greg Swann said:

“This season we have continued to observe a high number of umpire contact incidents across the league. Amongst these instances of umpire contact, a number have resulted in significant injuries to the affected umpires. 

“This is a trend in the game which we do not want to see continue. Clubs and players have a responsibility to ensure the number of instances of avoidable contact with umpires are reduced."