UK Athletics has pleaded guilty to corporate manslaughter following the 2017 death of UAE Paralympian Abdullah Hayayei during training in London. The organization faces a potential fine of up to £5 million, while event official Keith Davies also admitted to a health and safety offense. The pleas were entered at the Old Bailey on February 20, 2026.
On February 20, 2026, UK Athletics changed its plea to guilty on a charge of corporate manslaughter at London's Old Bailey court, relating to the death of 36-year-old Paralympian Abdullah Hayayei. Hayayei, a father of five from the United Arab Emirates, died on July 11, 2017, at Newham Leisure Centre when parts of a metal discus throwing cage collapsed and struck his head during training for the World Para-athletics Championships, scheduled from July 14 to 23 in London.
Hayayei was preparing for the F34 class shot put, discus, and javelin events. He had previously competed at the 2016 Rio Paralympics, finishing sixth in javelin and seventh in shot put, and at the 2015 World Championships in Doha, where he placed fifth in discus and eighth in shot put. A moment of silence was observed in his honor during the championships' opening ceremony at London Stadium.
Keith Davies, 78, the head of sport for the 2017 championships, pleaded guilty to a health and safety offense under the Health and Safety at Work Act, avoiding a trial on gross negligence manslaughter. The UK Athletics organization, which owned the cage, had initially pleaded not guilty in March 2025, following charges in January 2025. Prosecutor Karen Robinson requested a two-day sentencing hearing in early June, before Judge Mark Lucraft.
An investigation by the Metropolitan Police and Newham's health and safety team revealed that stabilising metal lattice base plates—10 ladder-like connectors—had been missing or unused for about five years, from 2012 to 2017, making the structure unstable, especially in strong winds. The Crown Prosecution Service stated that UK Athletics was responsible for the cage's safety, and Davies had been involved in its purchase before the 2012 London Olympics and its assembly until 2017.
Colin Gibbs, a senior CPS prosecutor, said: "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." UK Athletics issued a statement expressing deep regret and sympathy for Hayayei's family and those affected, but declined further comment due to ongoing proceedings.
As a medium-sized organization under the 2007 Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act, UK Athletics faces a fine between £1.2 million and £5 million, potentially reduced for the early guilty plea. This comes after the body recovered from near-bankruptcy in recent years through partnerships and sponsorships.
