Chief executive Michael Bowers said the club had received a complaint from a man about inappropriate behaviour towards his wife when they and two of their children were at a "non-club function" with Fevola and several other Lions players.

Mr Bowers said the club immediately alerted the AFL, which is also investigating the incident. After speaking with AFL investigators, the family also went to the police, he said.

Respect and responsibility towards women is something that this Club thinks is non-negotiable. We feel that the allegation is a very serious one and we think if the behaviour is as described, then it's unacceptable behaviour for anyone in football," Mr Bowers said.

The Age believes Fevola exposed himself to a woman at the weekend gathering.

Club chiefs reportedly spoke to Fevola this morning. They were keen to hear his side of the story, given that the former Carlton star has been the subject of unfounded allegations.

Fevola, 29, has also generated genuine controversies, including his drunken antics at the 2009 Brownlow Medal, which led to Carlton sacking him.

Brisbane, under salary-cap pressure, is believed to be paying Fevola more than $700,000 a year. The Lions are believed to have asked senior players, including Brownlow Medallist Simon Black, to accept pay cuts.

Soon after joining Brisbane, Fevola was accused of circulating a nude photo of former lover Lara Bingle, but the club stood by him when no proof could be found of any wrongdoing on his behalf.

Fevola then announced he had gambling problems.

Later last year, after suffering a season-ending groin injury, Brisbane urged Fevola to stay in Brisbane for extended treatment. Fevola wanted to stay in Melbourne to be with his wife, Alex, and their children. The pair have since split.

He was criticised last month after being seen entering a Melbourne nightclub at 7am.