World Athletics has confirmed the discovery of an alleged internal financial fraud involving the diversion of around $1.75 million over several years. The information was first reported by journalist Alan Abrahamson in the U.S. outlet ‘3 Wire Sports’, citing official sources from the federation following an independent forensic audit.
According to the report, the investigation uncovered a pattern of false or inflated invoices issued by federation employees and an external consultant. The irregularities were linked to internal operations and contracted services, affecting roughly 3 percent of the organization’s annual budget, which totaled $59.8 million in the most recent fiscal year.
Audit prompts tighter financial controls
The fraud came to light after an internal review launched by World Athletics itself. The audit detected suspicious transactions in recurring payments and called for a verification of suppliers, which led to the identification of falsified documents. As ‘3 Wire Sports’ detailed, the federation has already initiated legal action against those involved and implemented stricter financial controls.
Among the new measures are the requirement of dual signatures on all invoices and a more rigorous verification process for vendors and external contracts. These steps aim to ensure greater traceability in every financial transaction and prevent similar incidents in the future.
Coe pledges full accountability
World Athletics President Sebastian Coe expressed his determination to fully investigate the matter and recover the stolen funds. In comments reported by ‘3 Wire Sports’, he stated that the organization “is not the kind of institution that simply sidelines staff without a thorough investigation,” adding that it would use “the full weight of the law” to hold those responsible to account.
Coe emphasized that such incidents “do not represent the values of transparency and integrity” that guide the federation’s work. Since taking office in 2015, he has led a push for governance reform and stronger oversight to distance the sport from the corruption scandals that once overshadowed international athletics.
Restoring trust at a key moment
The case has raised concern within the organization, which is entering a critical phase of preparation for upcoming World Championships and the next Diamond League season. As Abrahamson noted in ‘3 Wire Sports’, the immediate priority is to restore institutional credibility and strengthen the federation’s internal systems.
World Athletics has not disclosed the identities of those involved but confirmed that current employees and an external consultant have been suspended from their duties. Legal proceedings are expected to continue in the coming months while the final results of the independent audit are reviewed.
