Essendon Football Club chairman David Evans has issued the following statement:

Contrary to media reports, the Essendon Football Club has never conceded that our players have been given banned substances in 2012.

We asked for the ASADA and AFL investigation and out of respect to the players, those investigations must be completed without prejudice.

I want to repeat, our club has not conceded that our players have been given banned substances in 2012.

At all times, the Board's primary goal has been to look after the interest of our players.

On behalf of our members, I want to thank our players for the leadership and resilience they are showing under pressure. They are young men of great character and continue to display their commitment to our club.