Cash-strapped UK Athletics cling onto Diamond League meet next summer

UK Athletics have kept their place on the international calendar after confirmation there will be a Diamond League meet next summer – but it will be dependent on fans being allowed in the London Stadium.

The cash-strapped governing body had warned one or both of their two Diamond League events could go as a cost-cutting measure.

But while the meet in Gateshead has been sacrificed, UKA have secured a July 13 midweek slot for the Anniversary Games in London.

UK Athletics have confirmed that there will be a Diamond League meet next summer

It is understood those plans are contingent on the event not being held behind closed doors, with UKA already struggling to make up the financial shortfall caused by the expiration of their broadcasting deal with the BBC, which was worth more than £2m a year. 

They are in talks with the BBC over a new arrangement on far less favourable terms, and have also met with ITV as well as considering streaming options.

Their July 13 date will be the seventh leg of a 14-meet Diamond League calendar, though it falls just 10 days before the start of the Olympics. 

Figures within the sport are concerned that its proximity to the Games could be detrimental to UKA’s hopes of attracting some of the bigger-name athletes.

There was worries both of their Diamond League events would have to be cut to save costs