Stevens, who played more than 200 AFL games with Port Adelaide and Carlton, was earlier this year found guilty of several domestic abuse-related charges, but is on bail awaiting an appeal in the County Court next year.

AFL Victoria said under its policy accreditation could be refused on the grounds of being charged with a criminal offence, charges of violence or of a violent nature.

It also pointed to the standard of behaviour to be upheld under its AFL Coaches’ Code of Conduct.

AFL Victoria said Stevens had the right to appeal its decision, which his lawyer, David Tonkin, subsequently did.

But Tonkin said Stevens was notified by AFL Victoria last week that his coaching accreditation had expired at the end of last year.

It means there was no accreditation for AFL Victoria to revoke, and therefore no decision for Stevens to appeal against.

An AFL Victoria spokesman said it had notified Stevens that his coaching accreditation had expired on December 31, 2014 and he had the opportunity to reapply, but that process involved a police check.

The spokesman could not comment further.

Tonkin said he had sought more information and various documentation from AFL Victoria in relation to the matter, including clarification on the level of accreditation Stevens had held and its expiration.

He said once he had received all the information he could discuss with Stevens what course of action they would take.

“The quicker AFL Victoria can sort out the position of Mr Stevens’ accreditation as at 1 December 2015, the better off everyone will be,” Tonkin said.

The Weekly Times contacted new Red Cliffs’ president Reg Cua, but he declined to comment.

The club’s statement about Stevens’ appointment remains on the club’s Facebook page.

Stevens, a former coach of TAC Cup side Gippsland Power, coached SANFL side Glenelg last year but was sacked by the club following his conviction.