Allen & Unwin has paused publication of the third book in Isaac Heeney’s Little Isaac Footy Fever children’s book series, Super Swan, which was due to hit shelves in November ahead of the Christmas sales period.

The first two books in the series, aimed at children aged seven to 10 and billed as a way for young readers “to find fun and friendship in sport”, were published earlier this month.

“Allen & Unwin is aware of reports relating to Isaac Heeney and a Victoria Police investigation, and that his employer has exercised sanctions under club policy and his terms of employment,” the publisher said in a statement.

“We view this matter seriously and believe that the women involved deserve respect and support. We have paused promotion of his two books and the publication of his third book, while the police investigation is under way. We are unable to comment further while the matter is in the hands of the police.“

Some publishing contracts with high-profile figures include morality or disrepute clauses that allow publishers to respond to conduct that could cause reputational damage. It is not known whether Heeney’s contract contains such a clause.

More to come.

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