Ian Stewart has decided to leave UK Athletics with immediate effect in order to pursue other independent career opportunities.

There had been rumours that Stewart was forced to leave after allegations of bad behaviour towards athletes Andy Vernon and Tony Whiteman.

Vernon took to Twitter during last summer's Olympics to vent his anger towards Stewart and later received an apology from the head of UK Athletics, Niels de Vos.

"Ian has been central to the success of our televised events for years," De Vos said earlier today.

"He has helped train the new team since we brought our events programme in-house and now leaves us in great shape to take these events from strength to strength.

"I'd like to thank Ian for his work and wish him well in his future career."

Stewart had been a key member of the organisation for 20 years, most notably in staging the best indoor and outdoor meetings in Britain and increasing the country's reputation as a host.

He had also been Head of Endurance for UKA, overseeing the British cross-country team as they remained the number one ranked team in the world for five years. He also worked with a number of distance runners including Mo Farah.