AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou says he commends Essendon chief executive Ian Robson for resigning as a result of the club’s ongoing supplements controversy.

Demetriou said Robson’s role at the club meant the buck stopped with him.

The AFL boss pointed to the report by Dr Ziggy Switkowski, which identified a breakdown in the club’s governance and management.

“The past few months have obviously been a very challenging period for everyone associated with Essendon and I commend Ian Robson for the decision he announced today to resign as chief executive,” Demetriou said in a statement on Thursday.

“Responsibility for the day-to-day management and governance of the club rests with the chief executive and Ian has accepted that responsibility.”

Demetriou also said Robson deserved credit for his conduct since the supplements crisis was made public in early February.

“Ian has conducted himself very professionally and in conjunction with chairman David Evans, has ensured that the club has fully co-operated with the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority and AFL investigation,” Demetriou said.