UK Athletics has proposed cutting all staff responsible for staging Diamond League meetings and reducing its anti-doping team, sparking concerns among insiders. The plans, revealed in a consultation document, would see the loss of the London and Gateshead Diamond League events, a significant blow to the sport's visibility in Britain.
The anti-doping team would be reduced from three to two, raising fears of increased risk for athletes failing to comply with World Anti-Doping Agency rules. Two insiders warned that the cuts could lead to more athletes falling foul of whereabouts regulations due to reduced education and support.
These proposals are part of a restructuring that could see up to 25% of UK Athletics staff made redundant. Chief executive Joanna Coates, who took over this year, said such measures are necessary to rebuild the organisation amid reduced income, compounded by past mistakes, the pandemic, and the loss of a BBC TV deal worth £2.3m a year.
While some sympathise with Coates, others question how cutting events and anti-doping staff aligns with her stated ambition to “put athletes first”. One insider noted that the Diamond League is the best showcase for stars like Dina Asher-Smith, Katarina Johnson-Thompson and Laura Muir, and that the anti-doping team is vital for athlete education and compliance.
UK Athletics said its consultation process will run until 14 October, and declined to comment on specific roles during this period.
