Adam Gemili has opted to stay with coach Rana Reider in Florida ©Getty Images

Former world relay champion Adam Gemili and Laviai Nielsen have had their lottery funding removed by UK Athletics for continuing to work with a coach who is being investigated after sexual abuse allegations were made against him.

Gemili and Nielsen, a world silver medallist, have been taken off UK Athletics' World Class Programme for choosing to stay with Rana Reider.

The US Center for SafeSport, an independent body that probes complaints into abuse and misconduct in Olympic sports, is investigating Reider following multiple complaints of sexual abuse.

UK Athletics told athletes coached by Reider to cease training with him in Florida after the investigation was opened.

Gemili and Nielsen's refusal to do so means they will not be entitled to the up to £28,000 ($37,000/€33,000) in lottery funding or medical support from UK Athletics while they remain in Florida.

"UK Athletics' (UKA) position has not changed in that any athlete working directly with Rana Reider, given the confirmed complaints of sexual misconduct against him from US Safe Sport, will not be able to be supported through the World Class Programme," UK Athletics said in a statement.

Laviai Nielsen has also been removed from the UK Athletics World Class Programme ©Getty Images
Laviai Nielsen has also been removed from the UK Athletics World Class Programme ©Getty Images

"Our discussions have been ongoing with athletes who are working directly with Rana Reider in Florida.

"To date, Daryll Neita has chosen to leave the group and find an alternative coaching set up and has committed to the WCP for the year ahead.

"Adam Gemili and Laviai Nielsen have elected to remain in Florida and accept they will not be supported through the WCP for the time being. 

"UKA understand the significant commitment these athletes have made to be based in Florida for the winter and that they will remain part of the training group until a further update from US Safe Sport is provided.

"All lines of communication will remain open with the athletes and we will support them with any future decision-making as and when there are any developments communicated by US Safe Sport."

Gemili is a former European 200 metres champion and was a member of the British 4x100m team which won gold at the World Championships in London in 2017.

Nielsen won silver in the 4x400m at the same event and is a two-time European relay silver medallist.

Reider, 51, is a world-leading trainer, including coaching Canada's Andre de Grasse to the 200m gold medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics this summer.

At his Tumbleweed Track Club in Florida, Reider has also coached American triple jump world champion Christian Taylor.