Ricky Nixon is out of sight in the AFL but is still very much on the mind of David Galbally QC.

As Nixon checked into a rehabilitation clinic on Tuesday to have treatment for a substance problem, the AFL Players' Association confirmed Galbally's investigation of the prominent player manager would continue.

Galbally will submit a report next week into Nixon's involvement with Kim Duthie, the teenager at the centre of the St Kilda nude photos scandal.

Nixon, the boss at Flying Start, announced his indefinite break from work on Monday night with a stunning media release.

AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou backed Nixon's decision to take time off to deal with a number of health issues.

"I think it's a positive move for Ricky Nixon," Demetriou told reporters in Adelaide.

"I am pleased he has also agreed to step down from his duties as a player manager.

"Hopefully he can get his life in order, he's got some issues relating to substance abuse as he put out on his statement."

Nixon has admitted having "inappropriate dealings" with Duthie but strongly denies her claim that they had a sexual relationship.

The AFLPA oversees accredited player agents and Nixon also said on Monday night that he would cooperate fully with Galbally.

Ian Prendergast, the chairman of the association's agent accreditation board, said on Tuesday that the investigation had to continue, despite Nixon's health issues.

"I fully support David in completing the investigation," Prendergast said.

"It is important that this process is allowed to run its course and every opportunity is given for the facts to emerge and be tested."

Prendergast said neither he nor the AFLPA had received any formal notice from Nixon of his intention to stand aside.

"Nevertheless, I welcome Ricky's re-affirmation of his willingness to co-operate fully with the investigation," Prendergast said.

Before Nixon announced his break, Galbally had asked for an extension on the terms of his investigation and Prendergast said the report would now be ready next week.

"Ricky Nixon's move to stand aside has not had a bearing on the decision to grant the extension," Prendergast said.

"However, it is the case that his decision does remove some of the urgency from the investigation."

Galbally is still to talk to Nixon.

Nixon could lose his accreditation if the investigation finds he breached his obligations as a player manager.

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