UK Athletics has been fined £350,000 for the corporate manslaughter of a Paralympian during a training session in 2017.
The athletics world was shaken by the tragic death of Abdullah Hayayeia talented Paralympian from the United Arab Emirates. On 11 July 2017while preparing for the World Para Athletics Championships in LondonHayayei was fatally injured when a metal discus cage collapsed during strong winds.
The incident occurred at the Newham Leisure Centreand the subsequent investigation revealed a series of negligent safety practices by UK Athletics.
The tragedy unfolded as Hayayei, a father of five, was practicing the shot put. The discus cage, owned and maintained by UK Athletics, collapsed due to missing stabilising base plates.
These critical components had been absent for approximately five years, significantly compromising the structure’s stability. Expert engineers confirmed that the base was essential for resisting wind forces, a fact that was tragically overlooked.
The Investigation and Findings
A joint investigation by the Metropolitan Police Service and the London Borough of Newham’s Health and Safety team uncovered a series of gross negligences.
The investigation revealed that the discus cage had been erected without its stabilising base plates for years, despite the obvious risk of collapse. The cage, which weighed up to 200kg, was dangerously unstable in high winds, posing a serious risk of death.
The investigation also highlighted the rushed assembly of the cage by Keith Daviesa senior UK Athletics manager and ‘Head of Sport’. Davies, who was involved in the purchase and assembly of the cage, admitted to failing to take reasonable care for health and safety. The court heard that the cage was assembled in poor light and ‘in a rush,’ further exacerbating the safety risks.
The Legal Consequences
On 2 June 2026UK Athletics was ordered to pay a fine of £350,000 and £44,000 in court costs. Keith Davies received a community order with 175 hours of unpaid work after admitting a Health and Safety at Work Act offence. The court’s decision underscored the organisation’s gross negligence in safety management, which directly led to Hayayei’s death.
Colin GibbsSenior Specialist Prosecutor with the CPS Special Crime Divisionemphasised the avoidable nature of the tragedy. ‘Abdullah Hayayei was a father of five who should have been able to compete on the world stage and return home safely to his family,’ Gibbs stated. ‘There can be no doubt that UK Athletics were grossly negligent in their safety management, which caused the death of a talented athlete.’
The Impact on UK Athletics
The tragedy has had profound implications for UK Athletics, leading to substantial changes in safety and governance procedures. The organisation issued an apology, acknowledging the failings that resulted in Hayayei’s death. ‘Today’s sentence marks a significant moment for UK Athletics,’ the organisation stated. ‘Our thoughts remain with the family, friends and loved ones of Abdullah Hayayei following his tragic death in 2017. The failings identified in this case should never have happened, and UK Athletics is deeply and genuinely sorry.’
The case has also highlighted the importance of rigorous safety inspections and maintenance in sports facilities. The absence of basic safety components and the failure to inspect and maintain the equipment were critical factors in the tragedy. The court’s decision serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of negligence in ensuring the safety of athletes.
The legacy of Abdullah Hayayei, a dedicated athlete who overcame significant challenges to compete on the world stage, continues to inspire. His tragic death has prompted a reevaluation of safety standards in athletics, ensuring that such incidents are prevented in the future.
