Demetriou becomes the third board member to step down from Crown following the decision finding the operator unsuitable to hold a gaming licence in Sydney, New South Wales.

An 18-month inquiry into Crown’s operations - led by former Supreme Court judge Patricia Bergin - concluded earlier this week, with Bergin deeming Crown unsuitable to operate the new casino in Barangaroo.

Directors Guy Jalland and Michael Johnston announced their resignations from the company’s board of directors following the outcome of the inquiry, with former Australian Football League (AFL) boss Demetriou the latest to resign. 

Demetriou was one of three directors specifically identified by Bergin in her report for failing to implement adequate Anti-Money Laundering controls, along with Johnston and CEO Ken Barton.

According to local media reports, Barton will stand down from his role in the coming days, but Crown has since denied the reports, saying: “Contrary to media reports, Mr Ken Barton, the chief executive officer and managing director of Crown has not resigned. 

“Crown and Mr Barton are continuing to consider his position having regard to the recommendations and findings of the Commissioner’s report of the inquiry under section 143 of the Casino Control Act 1992 (NSW).”

The operator also announced today revised operating conditions at Crown Melbourne, after the Victorian Government implemented a five-day lockdown throughout the state to combat the spread of COVID-19.