British Gymnastics fire men’s coach Eddie Van Hoof after misconduct investigation

Van Hoof, who has led the men's program since 2005, was initially suspended in November

Eddie van Hoof led Team GB's male gymnasts to a record medal haul at the Rio Olympics (Getty)

British Gymnastics has dismissed Eddie Van Hoof as head coach of the men's national team, citing "irreconcilable differences", the sport's national governing body has announced.

The Yorkshireman was UK Coaching's coach of the year in 2016 after the men's team won five medals at the Rio Olympics, including two golds for Max Whitlock.

But the former Olympic gymnast was suspended from his role in November pending an investigation into alleged misconduct.

In a statement published on Thursday, British Gymnastics confirmed his dismissal and said: "It became clear there are irreconcilable differences between Eddie and British Gymnastics regarding the leadership, conduct and culture of elite coaching for our sport.

Van Hoof with the Team GB squad in Rio (Getty)

"The situation had become untenable and it was best for all sides to bring matters to a close. We thank Eddie for his contribution to British Gymnastics and wish him every success in the future."

The specific allegations against the coach are not known but his suspension came three weeks after British Gymnastics' chief executive Jane Allen published an open letter denying there was a "win at any cost" mentality at the sport's Lilleshall base.

That letter was a response to media reports about various issues within the sport, including a row with leading gymnasts over their contracts and claims of misconduct by unspecified coaches.

"We want to make the nation proud but 'how we win' is just as important," wrote Allen, who has run the sport since 2010.

"This administration has never had a desire to win at any cost and under my leadership I expect the athletes' welfare to be given the highest priority."