In a statement, AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan confirmed on Thursday night he accepted the resignation of GM Football Simon Lethlean and GM Commercial Richard Simkiss.

The two incidents are separate but come only a week after AFL diversity manager Ali Fahour was forced to resign after an on-field 'coward's punch' incident playing local football.

"They were quite separate matters, but have caused distress and concern to a number of people," McLachlan said.

"Simon and Richard have both been honest and forthright to me, and to their credit owned their mistakes and do not want the work of the AFL to be impacted by their actions. 

"I expect that my Executives are role models and set a standard of behaviour for the rest of the organisation. They are judged, as they should be, to a higher standard."

The AFL have appointed Andrew Dillon, Legal Counsel and GM Game Development as acting GM Football.

Darren Birch, the AFL's GM Growth, Digital and Audiences will be acting GM Commercial, a position he previously held.

Lethlean, who is married, was contrite and remorseful in his statement.

"My resignation follows a wrong decision I made to have an inappropriate relationship with a female employee of the AFL. It is an action for which I am truly sorry for the hurt I have caused," Lethlean said.

"The relationship should never have happened.  As a husband and a leader of this organisation it is up to me to set the example.  What I did was wrong.

"I failed my wife, my family, my friends, my organisation and football by making the decision I have.   I have hurt the people who are most important in my life and who I love. They have done nothing to deserve this. I am deeply sorry for all the hurt and embarrassment I have caused.

"My priority now is to do everything I can to repair the damage and hurt I have caused my wife and my family and I cannot do this while working in this public role. Regaining the trust and love of my wife and my family will be my total focus."

Simkiss accepted that his actions were not acceptable, with the AFL working towards a diverse, inclusive, equal and respectful workplace.

"I have apologised to Gillon and to my colleagues for a serious lapse of judgement that has hurt many people, including my family," Simkiss said.

"My actions did not live up to the values of the AFL and is something I am truly sorry for.

"I know that I have let people down. Our industry is on a journey of change, and I can’t let my actions halt or damage that journey."