To everyone across our sport,

We are writing following today’s sentencing of UK Athletics in relation to the tragic death of UAE athlete Abdullah Hayayei at the para athlete training venue in July 2017.

First and foremost, we again want to express our profound sorrow to Abdullah’s family, friends and loved ones. Nothing in the legal process can lessen the loss they have suffered, and our thoughts remain with them today.

The failings identified in this case should never have happened. UK Athletics accepts that and we are deeply sorry for what occurred and the impact it has had on everyone affected.

Today marks the conclusion of a legal process that has lasted many years. We recognise, however, that people across athletics will rightly have questions about what this means, what has changed, and how UK Athletics has responded.

Since joining UK Athletics — Ian in 2021 and Jack in 2022 — we have worked hard to build an organisational culture that is accountable, transparent and guided by the right values. That means acknowledging where we have fallen short in the past, taking responsibility when mistakes have been made, and ensuring lessons are learned.

As part of that journey, we have reflected carefully on how this case was handled over time. We recognise that the position taken by UK Athletics in the early stages of the investigation is not one we believe the organisation should take today. Accountability requires honesty, openness and a willingness to accept responsibility where responsibility exists.

That is why, after careful consideration and legal advice, we believed the right course of action was to enter a guilty plea earlier this year and appear before the Court prepared to accept the consequences of our failings. It was important that UK Athletics took responsibility in a way that reflected the values we expect of ourselves.

Throughout this process, it has also been important to recognise the difficult position faced by our co-defendant, Keith Davies. Keith accepts his sentence following his guilty plea to the Health and Safety charge. We, and the judge, also recognise his longstanding commitment to athletics and the integrity with which he has served the sport over many years. This case, which has hung over him for almost nine years has been incredibly difficult for him personally, and we have sought to support him appropriately throughout.

We also understand that today’s outcome may cause concern for athletes, coaches, officials, volunteers, staff and supporters. We hope people will recognise that UK Athletics today is a different organisation, both in its people and its culture. While there is always more work to do, significant changes have been made to strengthen safety, governance, event management and decision-making across the organisation and the wider sport.

Nothing can undo what happened in July 2017. However, we remain committed to ensuring the lessons from this tragedy continue to shape how we operate. That responsibility does not end with today’s sentence.

We respectfully accept the Court’s decision and remain committed to continuing this work with the seriousness, humility and responsibility it demands. While the financial penalty is significant, UK Athletics remains financially stable and able to continue delivering the support and services the sport needs.

Once again, we extend our sincere condolences to Abdullah Hayayei’s family, friends and loved ones, and to everyone affected by this tragedy.

Ian Beattie and Jack Buckner