The athletics governing body in the UK, along with a sports official, has entered a plea of not guilty to manslaughter charges linked to the tragic death of a Paralympic athlete. Abdullah Hayayei, a 36-year-old thrower from the United Arab Emirates, passed away after being struck on the head by a metal pole during a training session in 2017.
The incident occurred on 11 July 2017 at Newham Leisure Centre in east London, where Hayayei was undertaking preparation for his events—discus, javelin, and shot put—in the F34 class for the world para athletics championships. A section of the throwing cage collapsed onto him, resulting in fatal injuries.
Abdullah Hayayei during the IPC Athletics World Championships in 2015. Getty
Keith Davies, who was identified by police as the head of sport for the 2017 World Para Athletics Championships, faces charges of gross negligence manslaughter and health and safety breaches. These charges were made public by police and the Crown Prosecution Service in January.
UK Athletics, the national body overseeing athletics, is also facing charges of corporate manslaughter and health and safety violations.
An eight-week trial is set to commence on 12 October 2026.
Abdullah Hayayei remembered in 2017 after his death. British Athletics via Getty Images
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