The Australian Football League (AFL) has defended its choice of American rap legend Snoop Dogg as the headline performer for this Saturday’s grand final. The much-anticipated match between Geelong and Brisbane will take place at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, which has a capacity of nearly 100,000 fans.

The decision to feature Snoop Dogg has stirred debate in Australia, with some critics pointing to the rapper’s past use of misogynistic and offensive lyrics. Senator Sarah Hanson-Young even urged the AFL to “have the guts to dump” him from the lineup, labeling him a “slur merchant.” Her comments came amid the league’s efforts to tackle discrimination, following multiple suspensions of players for using homophobic slurs.

Despite the backlash, AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon stood firmly by the decision. He highlighted Snoop Dogg’s global reputation as a performer who has graced major stages, including the Paris Olympics and the Super Bowl halftime show. Dillon assured fans that the performance would be family-friendly and emphasized that the league was engaging Snoop Dogg as “the person he is today.”

For his part, Snoop Dogg expressed genuine admiration for Australian Rules football. During a press event on Thursday, the 53-year-old star shared that he has developed a love for the sport after years of visiting Australia. “I know that it’s not just a sport, it’s a way of life,” he said, adding that the game reminds him of American football and rugby. He admitted that he never fully understood it before but has grown to appreciate its uniqueness and excitement.

The AFL grand final is one of the biggest events on Australia’s sporting calendar. Previous headline acts include global stars such as Katy Perry and Robbie Williams. This year, all eyes will be on Snoop Dogg as he brings his signature style and energy to one of the most-watched stages in the country.

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