The AFL has suspended umpire Leigh Haussen after he dressed up as Osama bin Laden at an end of season event.

The umpire, who made his debut in the AFL in 2017, dressed in the costume at a private function the day after the grand final in September.

The news comes weeks after several GWS Giants players were suspended for wearing inappropriate costumes and performing skits at their own end of season party.

In a statement, the AFL said that the theme of the event, for AFL field umpires, was characters from the 2000s.

Haussen dressed into the costume at the venue and wore a mask, but "only for short period of time".

The statement said Haussen cooperated fully with the investigation.

Haussen, who has umpired 147 AFL games, admitted that he made "an error of judgement".

"I am sorry … I never intended to offend anyone" he said via a statement.

Haussen will be banned from participating in round one of the 2025 AFL season but the AFL said it would support him in his bid to return to the umpiring ranks.

AFL Head of Umpiring Stephen McBurney said Haussen had owned his actions.

"Leigh understands the inappropriate nature of his costume," McBurney said in a statement.

"He has reflected on that choice.

"Leigh is a valued member of the umpiring group with an unblemished record both throughout his umpiring career and since his elevation to the AFL umpires list in 2017.

"We will support Leigh to make his return to umpiring AFL football following this suspension."

Haussen, who works as a finance broker, has also refereed 166 SANFL matches, including six grand finals between 2010 and 2016.

He made his AFL umpiring debut in the 2017 round five clash between Western Bulldogs and Brisbane Lions.