FORMER Hawthorn president Jeff Kennett last night unleashed an extraordinary outburst against AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou saying he had reached his use-by date and should be replaced by the league commission.

Kennett described a decision by Demetriou to fly out of Melbourne on Sunday for a fact-finding trip to New York as "appalling" and claimed it showed the league boss had lost touch.

"It is an indication that he is both out of touch and the AFL commission has absolutely no influence over his activities and it's time for Demetriou to leave his post," the outspoken Kennett said.

Bombers at risk of being gutted

"Not only do we have the Essendon Football Club in chaos, we have the Melbourne Football Club going through life support.

"The code is under challenge as it's never been and the CEO Mr Demetriou is threatening to sue people, presumably football identities and now he has decided to leave the country."

"The time has come clearly with Andrew's departure today, as much as I say some of the work he has done has been very beneficial to the code, his use-by date, I think, has been stamped clearly today on his decision to walk away from all the turmoil that is currently in the code.

Kennett said Demetriou should have remained in Australia until ASADA announced it findings, whih are expected next Monday.

"It is absolutely unacceptable," Kennett said.

"And his 2IC Gill McLachlan is leaving Lords (England) to meet him in America with the other presidents.