World Athletics, one of the world’s most respected sports governing bodies, has been rocked by a shocking revelation of internal fraud worth around £1.3 million.
What began as a routine financial review quickly turned into a full-blown investigation that exposed the “systematic theft” of funds by people within the organization itself.
Discovery of the Missing Millions
According to World Athletics, the fraud was uncovered by a newly appointed financial leadership team that spotted irregularities in the organization’s accounts.
Their findings led to the dismissal of two former employees, while a third person—who had already left the federation—was also implicated.
Law enforcement authorities have now been alerted, and the case could lead to criminal charges against those involved.
Seb Coe Speaks Out on Accountability
President Seb Coe didn’t mince words when addressing the scandal.
He emphasized that World Athletics would not quietly sweep the issue under the rug as many organizations tend to do when faced with internal corruption.
“We are determined to recover whatever monies we are able using the full force of the law,” Coe said, reaffirming his commitment to transparency and justice.
He added, “Too many organizations brush incidents like this under the carpet, terminating employment with limited information, which allows perpetrators to continue their scams within new organizations. We are not that type of organization.”
A Commitment to Integrity and Reform
Despite calling the situation “uncomfortable,” Coe stressed that doing the right thing mattered more than preserving appearances.
He highlighted that World Athletics has built a reputation for good governance and ethical standards—and that this incident, though damaging, reinforces their resolve to uphold those principles.
“This is uncomfortable,” Coe said, “but it is important that we do the right thing.”
Independent Review and Future Safeguards
In the wake of the discovery, World Athletics brought in an external auditing firm to conduct a thorough forensic accounting review.
The investigation found no evidence of additional fraudulent activities beyond the £1.3 million theft.
To prevent future breaches, the federation announced that it would introduce enhanced internal financial controls.
These new measures are designed to ensure that such an incident never happens again and that trust in the organization remains intact.
What Comes Next for World Athletics
While the scandal has undoubtedly shaken the organization, World Athletics’ swift and transparent response could help restore confidence among athletes, fans, and sponsors.
With Seb Coe leading the charge for accountability, the federation now faces the task of rebuilding from within—proving that integrity, even when tested, remains at the heart of global sport.