Outside court, he said he would resign from the board to avoid being "an unnecessary distraction".

"I deeply regret the embarrassment I have caused particularly to my family, my employer, my work colleagues, the Cronulla sharks and the game more broadly," he said.

"With regards to the Sharks, I have decided to step down entirely from the board. While I am proud of my role in helping to restore the fortunes of the club, I recognise that my ongoing involvement with the club on the board creates the potential to be an unnecessary distraction.

"I'm pleased with the outcome of today's hearing, I look forward to devoting my full attention to my work and my family."

Keogh has denied having a drug problem, saying earlier this month that "people who know me know this isn't me".