AFL Commissioner Andrew Newbold has today taken a leave of absence from the AFL Commission to assist in the independent investigation to be undertaken into allegations concerning historical events at the Hawthorn Football Club.

Mr Newbold was the Hawthorn Football Club President from 2012 through February 2016.

"I want to also acknowledge that this is a really distressing day for the people who have shared their experiences," AFL Commission Chairman Richard Goyder said.

"These are serious allegations, and it is important that we treat them appropriately while also ensuring the formal process provides support to those impacted and also natural justice to those people who are accused. Andrew wholeheartedly understands this, and I have accepted his offer to take a leave of absence away from the AFL Commission while the independent investigation is undertaken.

"There are so many people who are hurting today and have been hurting for a long time and to all of them, we acknowledge that hurt and say that as a game we will do everything to ensure that the hurt you experienced is not a hurt that is experienced by others."