The BBSA claimed it took the "unprecedented step" after Rattigan "fundamentally breached" the directors' code of conduct and "undermined the very organisation which he was appointed to serve".

It also claimed Rattigan's dismissal was "separate" to the independent investigation recently launched by UK Sport. 

The investigation is reportedly related to a complaint made in July by Rattigan, who claimed that he was subject to an "extended period" of bullying and harassment, and that recordings of Board meetings were made in an attempt to entrap him. 

It is reported that he also raised this as a breach of privacy issue with the Equality and Human Rights Commission and the Information Commissioner's Office.

In addition, Rattigan claimed a a number of sources had told him that bobsleigh pilot Lamin Deen and other black coaches were being subjected to discriminatory treatment.

"Whilst we will not comment further on the incidents which brought about this decision, they are separate to the matters to be covered by the independent investigation commissioned by UK Sport," the BBSA said in a statement.

"We welcome that investigation and are happy to cooperate fully.

"We strongly refute the allegations raised in recent media reports and wish to be clear that we are yet to be presented with any evidence that supports them."

The 58-year-old Rattigan, who competed for Britain in the bobsleigh at the Calgary 1988 and Albertville 1992 Winter Olympic Games, joined the BBSA Board in 2019. 

This was part of a shake-up that followed another independent investigation by UK Sport in 2017 and a disappointing performance at Pyeongchang 2018. 

The BBSA's bobsleigh funding was axed and the governing body was told by UK Sport that its £7.2 million ($9.3 million/€7.9million) investment in its successful skeleton programme was contingent on a major shake-up of the Board, resulting in half of the members stepping down. 

The current Board has an equal split of male and female representatives and includes double Olympic skeleton champion Lizzy Yarnold.  

"In the short time that I have been in the BBSA bobsleigh position, despite all the challenges, I have provided leadership, the strategic vision and plan and improved the depth of collaboration, engagement and consultation to put a plan in place," said Rattigan.

"This is not about me. 

"It is about the future of British bobsleigh and doing the right thing.  

"Let’s hope that the UK Sport investigation continues in a fair and honest way."