Time to get on the front foot in fight against corruption in sport AFL CEO Andrew Demetriou, left, and AFL Commission Chairman Mike Fitzpatrick address the media after the release of the Australian Crime Commission's report on drugs and organised crime in Australian sport. HIGH-RANKING officials and politicians can't guarantee fans won't pay for a tainted product after a 12-month investigation by the Australian Crime Commission into the integrity of sport. Australia's day of sport shame will now cast a shadow over football competitions compromised by widespread illegal drug use and match-fixing. The watershed ACC "Project Aperio" sting established links between professional sporting bodies, prohibited substances, match-fixing and organised crime. AFL boss Andrew Demetriou conceded "everyone wants to watch a sport that is pure" but that can't be assured on the eve of the 2013 season. Federal Justice Minister Jason Clare branded revelations of suspected `multiple' doping violations across multiple sports in collusion with sports scientists and doctors as "disgusting." Who knows what is going on at Essendon but this report gives the code a chance to get on the front foot Clare encouraged guilty athletes not to wait `for a knock at the door' before owning up to breaches which could include use of growth hormone and peptide substances not tested on humans. Port Adelaide chief executive Keith Thomas said the fallout from the Lance Armstrong doping con meant sports must move quickly to adopt the ACC report to prevent fans deserting the game, a call echoed by head of the World Anti-Doping Agency, John Fahey. "It is the broader issue of integrity in the game, we are all against cheating," said Thomas, with fans to question attending games influenced by criminal match-fixing syndicates or players using performance enhancing drugs. It is important we act aggressively. Who knows what is going on at Essendon but this report gives the code a chance to get on the front foot. Essendon this week invited the Anti-Doping Authority to launch an investigation into suspected illegal use of supplements at the club in 2012 which saw consultant Stephen Dank leave in December and high performance manager Dean Robinson suspended. The Bombers drug crisis pre-empted yesterday's joint announcement from sport supremos including Demetriou, Cricket Australia's James Sutherland, ARL Commission's Dave Smith, Federal Sports Minister Kate Lundy and ACC head John Lawler. Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority funding could now be doubled to tackle the drug issue, while those who fail to co-operate also face civil action. Adelaide chairman Rob Chapman was unavailable for interview but said via text message the club was "compliant with all AFL guidelines."