Essendon Chief Executive Officer Xavier Campbell has made the following statement. 

"We appreciate there are a number of outstanding questions relating to our players participating in the upcoming NAB Challenge pre-season competition."

“If the outcome of the AFL Anti-Doping Tribunal is still unknown and the players remain provisionally suspended, it is our understanding that the possibility of lifting a provisional suspension is at the discretion of the AFL Commission."

"Our priority is to ensure that the preparation of our players and planning for the 2015 season is not compromised in any way. We anticipate having further discussions with the AFL this week in relation to this matter."