Athletics: Jones resigns at BAF

MALCOLM JONES has resigned as chief executive of the British Athletic Federation in the wake of a power struggle for control of the sport. His decision was accepted by the Federation's management board.

Jones was appointed on a three-year contract worth around pounds 60,000 a year in November 1991. A settlement over the remainder of his contract has been agreed and the management board will discuss whether to appoint a new chief executive at a later date.

Two months ago, management board members passed a vote of no confidence in Jones. Yesterday, BAF's Tony Ward said: 'I think Malcolm's position simply became untenable.'

Senior officials, Peter Radford, David Bedford and John Lister, were later branded as the ringleaders by BAF's ruling council and censured for their actions. Yet, only a fortnight ago, the trio won the backing of clubs at the Federation's annual meeting to run the sport.

The official BAF statement said: 'The Federation joins with Malcolm Jones in expressing their regret at his resignation and the circumstances surrounding it and wish to acknowledge with gratitude and the positive contribution made by Malcolm Jones to British athletics during his time with them.'