UK Athletics and a former senior official have been charged with manslaughter after Paralympic athlete Abdullah Hayayei was crushed to death in 2017.
The UAE athlete, who competed in the javelin and shot put at Rio 2016, was pronounced dead at the scene when a metal throwing cage fell on him while training at London's Newham Leisure Centre.
Hayayei, a 36-year-old father of five, had been preparing for the World Para Athletics Championships at the London Stadium, which began three days after the tragic incident in July 2017.
Following a lengthy investigation by the Metropolitan Police, the Crown Prosecution Service has charged UK Athletics with corporate manslaughter and Keith Davies, sporting director of the World Para Athletics Championships, with manslaughter by gross negligence.
The governing body and Davies, 77, are due to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on January 31.
Penalties for corporate manslaughter include an unlimited fine, while gross negligence manslaughter can result in a prison sentence.
“Following a review of evidence provided by the Metropolitan Police Service, the Crown Prosecution Service has authorized criminal charges against UK Athletics Limited and a 77-year-old man following the death of UAE Paralympic athlete Abdullah Hayayei,” he said. Malcolm McHaffie. head of the CPS Special Crimes Division.
'Mr Hayayei, 36, died after a metal cage fell on him while training for the shot put at London's Newham Leisure Center on July 11, 2017.
UK Athletics Ltd and its former sporting director Keith Davies have been charged with manslaughter following the death of Paralympic athlete Abdullah Hayayei (pictured) in 2017.
'UK Athletics Ltd has been charged with corporate manslaughter and an offense under the Health and Safety at Work Act.
'Keith Davies has been charged with manslaughter by gross negligence and an offense under the Health and Safety at Work Act.
'The Crown Prosecution Service reminds everyone that criminal proceedings are active and that both UK Athletics Ltd and Mr Davies are entitled to a fair trial.
“It is extremely important that there are no reports, comments or sharing of information online that could in any way undermine these proceedings.”
Hayayei, who competed in the F34 class, finished sixth in the javelin and seventh in the shot put at the 2016 Paralympic Games. At the 2015 World Championships in Doha, Qatar, he placed fifth in the discus and eighth in the shot put.
Following his death in July 2017, a moment of silence was held in Hayayei's honor during the opening ceremony of the World Championship.
At the time, Ed Warner, co-chair of London 2017, said: “This is a devastating event and all members of the London 2017 organizing committee are shocked and saddened.
'Our thoughts and prayers are with all of Abdullah's family and teammates at what is undoubtedly a very difficult time for them.
“We will be working closely with all competitors and teams over the coming days to offer support where needed.”
UK Athletics declined to comment due to upcoming proceedings.