UK Athletics has admitted corporate manslaughter over the tragic death of Emirati Paralympian Abdullah Hayayei, who was killed in 2017 while training in London.
The 36-year-old athlete was preparing for the 2017 World Para Athletics Championships at Newham Leisure Centre when a metal throwing cage collapsed and fell on him. Emergency services responded to the incident, but he was pronounced dead at the scene. Hayayei had previously represented the United Arab Emirates at the 2016 Summer Paralympics in Rio de Janeiro and was widely respected within the Paralympic community for his dedication and sportsmanship.
The organisation had initially denied the corporate manslaughter charge but later changed its plea to guilty during court proceedings. In the same case, Keith Davies, who served as head of sport for the 2017 championships, pleaded guilty to a health and safety offence related to the incident. Sentencing in the matter is scheduled to take place in June.
In a statement, UK Athletics expressed deep regret over the tragedy and extended heartfelt condolences to Hayayei’s family, friends, and teammates. The case has raised serious concerns about safety standards and oversight at major sporting events, particularly those involving heavy equipment and specialised facilities.
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