UK Athletics has pleaded guilty to corporate manslaughter following the death of Paralympian Abdullah Hayayei, who was struck by a metal pole during training in 2017. The 36-year-old athlete from the United Arab Emirates was preparing for the World Para Athletics Championships at Newham Leisure Centre in East London when a throwing cage collapsed on him.
Emergency services pronounced Hayayei dead at the scene 20 minutes after the incident. An investigation by Scotland Yard found that the throwing cage had not been properly assembled, rendering it unstable. UK Athletics had previously denied the charge but changed its plea on Friday.
The charge stated that the corporation caused Hayayei's death by supplying a discus and shot put cage for use at a training event without its base structure, leading to its collapse. UK Athletics expressed deep regret and offered condolences to the athlete's family, but declined further comment due to ongoing court proceedings.
In a separate case, the head of sport for the 2017 championships, who has not been named, denied gross negligence manslaughter but pleaded guilty to a health and safety offence. Both UK Athletics and the individual will be sentenced at a later date. The prosecution confirmed it will not seek a trial, and outstanding charges will be resolved after sentencing.
UK Athletics faces a fine between £1.2 million and £5 million, though deductions may apply for the early guilty plea. Detective Sergeant Brett Hagen of the Metropolitan Police praised the family's patience and the investigative team's efforts, noting the rarity and complexity of such prosecutions.
