Leeds chief executive Gary Hetherington has been fined STG1,000 ($A1,800) by the Rugby Football League after being found guilty of improper conduct.
The 57-year-old Hetherington, who is widely regarded as the most innovative and successful administrator in the modern game, was charged over comments he made about the RFL's investigation into homophobic comments alleged to have been made by Leeds fullback Zak Hardaker during a Super League match against St Helens on August 29.
Hetherington, a former president of the RFL, accused the governing body of carrying out a witch hunt and claimed it was using the services of a lip-reader in an attempt to prove the case.
The RFL subsequently dropped the investigation due to insufficient evidence but took Hetherington to task over his comments, arguing they were "prejudicial to the interests of the game".
An independent operational rules tribunal heard the case nine days ago and deferred a decision but on Friday the RFL issued a statement revealing that the fine it imposed on Hetherington had been upheld.
"An independent operational rules tribunal has upheld the 1,000 pound fine imposed on Leeds Rhinos chief executive Gary Hetherington for questioning the motivation and integrity of an investigation into an incident in his club's First Utility Super League fixture against St Helens played on Friday August 29," the statement said.
"Mr Hetherington has 14 days in which to appeal the independent tribunal's ruling."
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