Two World Athletics employees and a contracted consultant systematically stole more than 1.5 million euros ($1.75 million) from the organisation over several years in a theft uncovered during an audit, the sport’s governing body said on Thursday.

World Athletics said it discovered the theft during its first annual audit under new financial leadership, prompting an internal investigation that led to contract terminations and criminal referrals.

While one employee had already left the organisation before their involvement was discovered, World Athletics terminated contracts for the remaining employee and consultant following the investigation.

The 3Wiresports website run by experienced Olympic journalist Alan Abrahamson named the people alleged to be involved as former chief operating officer Vineesh Kochhar and former director of broadcast James Lord, with the consultant not having any managerial responsibility. A source close to the organisation’s investigation confirmed the names to Reuters.

“Detailed cases have been prepared and handed over to the relevant judicial and legal authorities for criminal investigation,” World Athletics said in a statement.

“World Athletics instructed an independent forensic accounting review of the period to supplement its own internal investigation and no other fraudulent activity was found.

“A set of enhanced internal financial controls are being introduced across the organisation.”

World Athletics’ annual report published last month showed its year-over-year revenue was $59.8 million, up 10.5% on the previous year.

World Athletics President Sebastian Coe said the body was determined to recover whatever it could using the “full force of the law.

“Too many organisations brush incidents like this under the carpet, terminating employment with limited information which allows perpetrators to continue their scams and thefts within new organisations. We are not that type of organisation,” Coe said.

“We have built a strong reputation for good governance, transparency and for defending what is right, even if it is sometimes a little uncomfortable. This is uncomfortable but it is important that we do the right thing.”

-Reuters

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The PremiumTrust Bank Abuja City International Half Marathon has achieved a historic milestone, earning the prestigious World Athletics Label for its second edition—an unprecedented feat that places Nigeria’s capital city among elite global marathon destinations.

Organized by Nilayo Sports Management Limited (NSML), the 2025 race is scheduled to take place on Saturday, December 6, 2025, under the inspiring theme “Steady Strides.”

The theme reflects both the disciplined rhythm of world-class long-distance running and the steady progress that has defined the marathon’s rapid rise to international acclaim.

This recognition from World Athletics comes in record time, making the Abuja race the fastest marathon globally to secure a World Athletics Label within two editions—a testament to NSML’s organizational excellence and the dynamic partnership with PremiumTrust Bank, widely regarded as Nigeria’s fastest-growing commercial bank.

A Partnership of Vision and Impact

Speaking on the announcement, Yetunde Olopade, Managing Director of Nilayo Sports Management Limited, described the achievement as “a defining moment for Nigerian road racing.”

Yetunde Olopade, Managing Director of Nilayo Sports Management Limited

“This second edition is fundamentally unique because it represents the first-ever true super-partnership on such a dynamic sports property in our nation and arguably, globally,” Olopade said.
“PremiumTrust Bank is not just a sponsor but the sole partner anchoring the establishment, organization, and consolidation of a global marathon in Nigeria’s capital city. We are proud and grateful for the bank’s visionary leadership, which recognized the immense potential of the first edition and is now driving the race toward international acclaim.”

A Legacy of Excellence

For PremiumTrust Bank, the race symbolizes more than sponsorship—it embodies a shared philosophy of growth, excellence, and impact.

“PremiumTrust Bank is built on the philosophy of rapid, impactful, and sustainable growth, and the theme of this year’s marathon perfectly reflects our operational ethos,” said Dr. Emmanuel Efe Emefienim (CON), Managing Director of PremiumTrust Bank.

“Attaining World Athletics Label status in just the second year validates that our investment is yielding world-class outcomes. We are deeply proud to be the sole partner building this monumental legacy, reinforcing our commitment to sports development, community wellbeing, excellence, and platforms where champions are made.”

Global Spotlight on Abuja

The 2025 edition is expected to draw elite international athletes, top local runners, and marathon enthusiasts from across the world. Officials from World Athletics will also be in attendance to oversee the competition, ensuring it meets global standards.

With Abuja set to host thousands of runners and spectators, the PremiumTrust Bank Half Marathon promises to be a spectacular celebration of endurance, athleticism, and community spirit, further cementing Nigeria’s place on the global athletics map.

Registration is now open for participants ahead of the eagerly anticipated race day on December 6, 2025.

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The National Sports Commission (NSC), in collaboration with World Athletics and the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), is set to host the inaugural Africa Running Conference in Lagos — a landmark event that underscores Nigeria’s growing influence in the global sports ecosystem.

The conference, designed to promote health, fitness, and athletic excellence, will bring together key stakeholders from across the continent to explore the expanding opportunities in road running and sports-driven economic growth.

Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja, NSC Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko said the event aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision of transforming sports into a catalyst for national development.

“This conference is not just about running,” Dikko said. “It reflects our commitment to building a thriving sports economy — one that creates jobs, attracts investment, and enhances Nigeria’s global reputation.”

He noted that the rising popularity of road running across Nigeria signals an untapped potential for economic and social impact. “Every state now wants to be involved,” he added. “That shows the potential for lasting impact.”

NSC Director General Bukola Olopade hailed the partnership with World Athletics as a “milestone moment” for Nigerian sports, emphasizing that it validates the effectiveness of the Tinubu administration’s ongoing sports reforms.

“We’re moving from being a consumption-based sports nation to one that produces and hosts world-class events,” Olopade said.

He further highlighted that World Athletics’ decision to stage the conference in Lagos — ahead of countries like Kenya and South Africa with long-standing marathon traditions — demonstrates growing international confidence in Nigeria’s capacity and reform agenda.

Alessio Punzi, World Athletics’ Head of Running and Mass Participation, described the forthcoming event as “a turning point for African road running,” revealing that it will include technical workshops for athletics federations from across the continent.

“The Lagos conference is about building a full ecosystem — from grassroots participation to elite performance,” Punzi stated.

The Africa Running Conference, the first of its kind, will serve as a platform for collaboration among governments, private sector leaders, and the sporting community. It aims to reinforce Nigeria’s leadership role in promoting health, wellness, and sporting excellence across Africa.

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