THE organisation of next year’s IAAF World Athletics Championships has suffered a significant blow after its managing director Sally Bolton quit in the wake of an internal power struggle.
Bolton, who previously headed up the 2013 Rugby League World Cup, is understood to have opted to leave amidst an increasingly acrimonious relationship with UK Athletics who have overall control of the event.
Her departure comes just days after the exit from the London 2017 board of FA executive Martin Stewart and Food Standards Agency chair Heather Hancock, thought to have been her two chief allies. The duo resigned after signalling their discontent with the close involvement of UKA chair Ed Warner and his chief executive Niels de Vos in the day-to-day running of the organising committee.
18 months out from the global showpiece, which will also incorporate its Para Athletics counterpart, UKA are now faced with the task of finding a new supremo to complete the preparations.
"I'm incredibly proud of the work that has been completed in achieving the early milestones that lay the foundations for the event's success,” said Bolton. "I wish the team well in what is going to be an exciting 18 months, and I look forward to seeing some amazing sport take place at next year's championships."
UKA have yet to attract a replacement backer for their domestic events since Sainsbury’s opted out of its multi-million pound contract in 2013 with next week’s Grand Prix in Glasgow taking place without a title sponsor.
London 2017 has fared little better, struggling to attract major backers in the wake of the recent scandals engulfing athletics, with IAAF officials confirming the hosts have asked for extra help from the global governing body and its president Sebastian Coe. And it may harm Glasgow’s bid to host the 2019 European Indoor Championships if confidence in the British camp is hit.
In a statement, Warner said: "Sally has successfully laid the foundations for what will be the best ever World Championships next year and we wish her well for the future.”
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