UK Athletics has pleaded guilty to corporate manslaughter in the death of Abdullah Hayayei, a Paralympian who died in July 2017 following a training accident at Newham Leisure Centre in London. The organization entered the guilty plea at the Old Bailey on , reversing a previous not-guilty plea entered in March 2025.
Hayayei, 36, representing the United Arab Emirates, died after being struck by a falling metal pole attached to a throwing cage while preparing for the 2017 World Para Athletics Championships. He had previously competed at the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio. The incident occurred during a training session in strong winds.
In addition to UK Athletics’ guilty plea, Keith Davies, who served as the head of sport for the 2017 championships, also pleaded guilty to a health and safety charge. Davies had initially been charged with gross negligence manslaughter, but that charge will not proceed following his guilty plea to the lesser offense.
The investigation revealed critical safety failings related to the discus cage. Specifically, the stabilising metal lattice base plates – described as “ladder like metal connectors” – were missing from the cage for approximately five years, between 2012 and 2017. Experts determined that these base plates were essential for ensuring the structure’s stability, particularly in windy conditions. UK Athletics owned the cage and was responsible for its safety during events.
According to the Crown Prosecution Service, the absence of these components significantly reduced the cage’s ability to withstand strong winds, creating a dangerous environment for athletes. Davies was involved in the purchase of the cage prior to the 2012 London Olympics and oversaw its assembly and use until the time of the tragic incident.
Prosecutor Karen Robinson requested a two-day sentencing hearing in early June, stating that the prosecution would not pursue a trial and that any outstanding matters would be addressed at sentencing. Davies, 78, has been granted continued bail with the condition that he cooperate with the Probation Service for a pre-sentence report.
The guilty plea from UK Athletics marks a significant development in a case that has spanned nearly a decade. The organization acknowledged its responsibility in the athlete’s death, a responsibility initially contested. The incident prompted a thorough review of safety protocols within the sport, and the outcome of this legal case is expected to have lasting implications for how athletic governing bodies manage risk and ensure athlete safety.
In a statement, UK Athletics expressed its deep regret over Hayayei’s death, stating, “UK Athletics deeply regrets that the incident in July 2017 resulted in the tragic loss of Abdullah Hayayei’s life. Our deepest thoughts and sympathy remain with his family, friends, teammates and all those affected by the events of that day.” The organization refrained from further comment, citing the ongoing court proceedings.
The Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act of 2007, under which UK Athletics was charged, is designed to hold organizations accountable for preventable deaths that occur as a result of their gross negligence. As reported by The Guardian, UK Athletics is considered a medium-sized organization under the terms of the Act, potentially facing a fine between £1.2 million and £5 million.
Colin Gibbs, Senior Specialist Prosecutor with the CPS Special Crime Division, emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, “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. There can be no doubt that UK Athletics were grossly negligent in their safety management, which caused the death of a talented athlete.”
The sentencing hearing will provide a platform for the court to consider the full extent of UK Athletics’ failings and to determine an appropriate penalty. The case serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of prioritizing athlete safety and maintaining rigorous safety standards in all sporting environments. The outcome will undoubtedly be closely watched by sporting organizations worldwide.
