ADELAIDE'S Kyle Cheney is set to be cautioned by the AFL for his role in sparking the investigation into former Bulldog Michael Talia and brother Daniel, after Cheney admitted he was joking when he said the brothers had shared game-sensitive information before last season's elimination final.

Although the Talia brothers are expected to be cleared by the League, it is understood the investigation is not yet finalised with The Age reporting a disagreement between the parties is delaying any kind of announcement.

Former Hawk Cheney has come under fire after admitting to AFL investigators he was having a laugh when he told ex-teammate Ben Stratton the Crows had received information about the Bulldogs' forward set-up for the September final at the MCG. 

Stratton alerted Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge, who used to be an assistant at the Hawks, to the situation, leading Beveridge to phone Cheney to seek the truth.

It is believed Cheney was hesitant to tell Beveridge he had overstated the accusation levelled at now Michael Talia, now with the Sydney Swans. 

The Talia brothers are reportedly disappointed by the League's handling of the situation and also the wording of the statement, which subtly hinted they should have had a case to answer, despite being cleared by the formal investigation.

The Crows are also set to be cleared, with the League content that stand-in coach Scott Camporeale had not received any information on the Bulldogs' game-plan.

A media release was due to be released by the AFL on Friday but the parties could not agree on the wording of the statement, meaning any announcement may not be heard until after Tuesday's NAB AFL Draft.

When contacted by AFL.com.au, the League declined to comment on the findings of the investigation.