The AFL is reviewing a sponsorship deal with Royal Brunei Airlines following criticism over Brunei’s harsh anti-gay laws, according to a Fairfax report.

Islamic Sharia law introduced by Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah will punish gay sex and adultery with death by stoning when it is fully introduced in 2015.

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AFL Europe, the body which governs Australian Rules Football across the region, previously touted the sponsorship deal with the state-owned airline as it’s “biggest-ever sponsorship”.

As part of the sponsorship deal, Royal Brunei flew AFL players between Melbourne and London for international competitions like the International Cup tournament that took place last month.

AFL Europe said that it was reconsidering the deal and has embarrassingly admitted that it was previously unaware Brunei had adopted harsh penalties like whippings and death by stoning.

The AFL is currently trying to overhaul its image by pledging to stamp-out homophobia within the sport.