MELBOURNE, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) -- A total of 34 Essendon AFL footballers have been placed on the register of findings by an anti-doping panel following the club's controversial 2011-12 supplements program.

On Thursday evening, the Anti-Doping Rule Violation Panel (ADRVP) said it had amassed enough evidence for the players to be charged with taking the banned substance Thymosin Beta 4 during the 2012 season.

The ADRVP's decision now puts the case in the AFL's hands. The decision to issue infraction notices now rests with AFL general counsel Andrew Dillon, who technically must be satisfied there is enough evidence to proceed.

If infraction notices are issued, the 34 past and current Essendon players will then finally get the opportunity to plead their case before the AFL's Anti-Doping Tribunal.

The ADRVP's findings, which come at the end of an exhaustive 18-month investigation that has drawn criticism for its length, reportedly came as no surprise to the players, nor their legal representatives.

Both have been expecting the announcement since losing a legal battle in the Federal Court in September that aimed to prove the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority (ASADA) acted outside its jurisdiction in investigating the club.

Despite Essendon refusing to appeal the Federal Court's decision, coach James Hird acted on his own accord to appeal the findings independently.

That appeal is being heard presently, but it is not expected to impact on the AFL issuing infraction notices against the 34 players.

ASADA remained tightlipped on the ADRVP's findings Thursday afternoon, refusing to be drawn on the latest developments in the ongoing supplements scandal.

"As the ADRVP operates independently of ASADA, it would be inappropriate for us to comment on matters relating to the ADRVP and this includes the timing of their consideration of matters," ASADA said via a statement.

"Consistently with the publicly stated wish of the players to have their matters dealt with as quickly as possible, ASADA has progressed these cases through the anti-doping rule violation process in accordance with those wishes. As these matters remain ongoing, we are unable to elaborate further."

AFL Players' Association CEO Paul Marsh revealed it was a relief to finally have the 34 players named on the register of findings - even though they face the prospect of lengthy bans. Players found guilty of taking performance-enhancing drugs face a maximum two-year suspension for a first offence.

"The determination from the ADRVP was an anticipated outcome and we are pleased that we are a step closer to having this matter finalized," he said.

"We now await the AFL's decision as to whether or not they'll issue infraction notices. We hope this decision is made quickly so the process can keep moving."

The 34 players are now expected to have their cases heard by an AFL-appointed tribunal. However a date for the trial remains unknown.

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