Tony Sach, a senior athletics official, has been permanently banned from officiating in UK Athletics events after a disciplinary panel found multiple allegations of misconduct—including sexual harassment and bullying—proved against him.
Following a series of complaints from junior officials and peers, an independent disciplinary panel upheld nine charges ranging from inappropriate messages and abuse of authority to aggressive conduct and breach of suspension terms. The misconduct spanned several years and events, with the panel highlighting a “sustained pattern of behaviour” and Sach’s failure to reform despite past warnings and sanctions.
In January 2024, the panel ruled that Sach was permanently ineligible to hold a UK Athletics licence, citing the seriousness and persistence of his behaviour, and his lack of remorse.
An appeal against both the decision and the sanction was rejected in early 2025. The appeal panel found no material failings in the disciplinary process and concluded that the decision was neither biased nor perverse. It also ruled that the sanction was proportionate given the gravity and history of the misconduct.
This case marks one of the most serious disciplinary outcomes issued under UK Athletics’ code of conduct in recent years.
Read the full judgment and appeal decision for detailed findings and evidence here.