UK Athletics coach probed after female athletes complain

UK Athletics coach probed after female athletes complain

Toni Minichiello has been provisionally suspended pending an investigation.

LONDON:
UK Athletics said coach Toni Minichiello, who guided Britain’s Jessica Ennis-Hill to heptathlon gold at London 2012, has been provisionally suspended pending an investigation into complaints from female athletes.

UK Athletics, who did not disclose details of the complaints, said they have been forced to make a public announcement after Minichiello was seen coaching athletes in Sheffield, breaching his suspension.

“Following complaints from female athletes, an investigation was commenced concerning Mr Minichiello’s behaviour. That investigation is ongoing,” UK Athletics said in a statement yesterday.

“As a person under investigation, Mr Minichiello’s licence was (and remains) suspended pending the conclusion of that investigation.

“UK Athletics are not in a position to say when that will be, but we are pursuing that investigation expeditiously.”

Reuters has requested comment from Minichiello.

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