UK Athletics has admitted guilt in a corporate manslaughter case linked to the tragic death of Paralympic athlete Abdullah Hayayei. The incident occurred in 2017 during Hayayei’s training at the Newham Leisure Centre in London, where a metal throwing cage fell on him.
Originally from the United Arab Emirates, Hayayei was preparing for the 2017 World Paralympic Athletics Championships. His death, which was pronounced at the scene, followed his participation in the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, where he competed in javelin and shot put events.
UK Athletics faced corporate manslaughter charges last year, initially pleading not guilty with plans for a trial. However, on Friday, the organization changed its plea to guilty, represented by lawyer Simon Antrobus. This shift indicates a significant development in the legal proceedings surrounding the incident.
In addition to UK Athletics, Keith Davies, the head of sport for the 2017 World Paralympic Athletics Championships, also pleaded guilty to a related offence under the Health and Safety at Work Act. Sentencing for UK Athletics and Davies is scheduled for June.
In response to the situation, UK Athletics has expressed profound condolences to Hayayei’s family and teammates. In an official statement, the organization acknowledged the regrettable event that led to the athlete’s death, highlighting the tragic impact on the community and the sport at large.