UK Athletics Admits Corporate Manslaughter in Paralympian’s Death

London – UK Athletics has pleaded guilty to corporate manslaughter in the death of Paralympian Abdullah Hayayei, who died during a training accident in 2017. The admission came at an Old Bailey hearing today, February 20, 2026.

The Incident and Initial Response

Abdullah Hayayei, 36, representing the United Arab Emirates, sustained fatal injuries at Newham Leisure Centre in east London on July 11, 2017. He was preparing for the World Para Athletics Championships, scheduled to compete in the F34 class discus, javelin, and shot put.

Hayayei was fatally injured when part of a throwing cage fell on him.

Guilty Pleas and Charges

UK Athletics Ltd initially denied the charge of corporate manslaughter but changed its plea today. The charge stated the organization caused Mr. Hayayei’s death by supplying for use at an organised para-athletics training event in which he participated a discus/shot put cage which it used and operated without its base structure and which collapsed into the Paralympian while he was practicing shot putting.

Keith Davies, 78, who served as head of sport for the 2017 World Paralympic Athletics Championships, initially denied gross negligence manslaughter. However, he has now pleaded guilty to a health and safety charge.

Investigation Reveals Safety Lapses

Investigations revealed that the metal discus cage lacked essential stabilizing components. According to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), the stabilising metal lattice base plates of the discus cage were missing. These components, 10 ladder-like metal connectors, had been missing or unused for approximately five years, between 2012 and 2017, significantly reducing the cage’s stability.

Expert engineers confirmed that the base was essential to allow the structure to resist wind forces effectively.

Sentencing and Next Steps

Prosecutor Karen Robinson requested a two-day sentencing hearing in early June. The prosecution will not pursue a trial, and outstanding charges will be addressed during sentencing. Davies has been granted bail with the condition of liaising with the Probation Service for a pre-sentence report.

UK Athletics stated: 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.

FAQ

What charge did UK Athletics plead guilty to?

UK Athletics pleaded guilty to corporate manslaughter.

When did the incident occur?

The incident occurred on July 11, 2017.

What was Keith Davies’ role?

Keith Davies was the head of sport for the 2017 World Paralympic Athletics Championships and pleaded guilty to a health and safety charge.