LTA president Martin Corrie steps aside ‘temporarily’ while probe into claims of sexual abuse involving a former coach takes place
Corrie gives up duties while investigation takes place into how a 2004 allegation of sexual abuse was managed
TENNIS CHIEF Martin Corrie has stepped aside “temporarily” after another sexual abuse scandal hit the sport.
Corrie is giving up his duties as president of the Lawn Tennis Association while an investigation takes places into how a 2004 allegation of sexual assault was handled by the Hertfordshire LTA.
Corrie, who was a member of the county association’s executive committee at the time, said: “This case concerns a coach who worked at Hertfordshire county LTA when I was a member of the executive committee and who was investigated and sanctioned by the LTA disciplinary committee at the time.
“As we are all aware, upholding the highest standards in dealing with safeguarding matters is important to the whole of British tennis.
“Therefore, in agreement with the board of the LTA, I believe it is right for me to step aside from my presidency during the course of this investigation.
“I would not wish my presence in this significant public role to become a distraction from the very good work the LTA is currently doing in the safeguarding arena.”
The LTA revealed it had received a new complaint in December about the way the 2004 case was handled by the Hertfordshire LTA’s executive committee.
The LTA said in a statement: “As soon as we received the complaint, we undertook a comprehensive internal review of the original 2004 case.
'AWFUL HUMAN' PSG star slammed for insensitive remarks over Astori's death
“We have also now commissioned a further independent investigation which is being carried out as swiftly as possible. The outcome of that investigation will be made public when it concludes.”
The LTA and British tennis are still reeling from former coach Daniel Sanders being jailed for six years last year for sexually abusing a young female player while working at Wrexham Tennis Centre.
LATEST SPORT NEWS
The LTA admitted its safeguarding procedures had failed by allowing Sanders to continue to work despite repeated warnings and multiple complains about him by fellow coaches, parents and young players.
An independent inquiry has been set up to try to establish what happened in the Sanders case and why.
Scott Lloyd, the LTA chief executive, said: “I want to emphasise that nothing is more important to us at the LTA than the safety and security of the children and young people who play tennis in Britain.
“I am personally committed to creating an environment where effective, consistent and timely safeguarding decisions can be made.
“The implementation of a comprehensive new action plan is well under way which I believe will help put British tennis at the forefront of safeguarding in sport.”