PARIS, France — World Athletics, the global governing body for track and field, disclosed on Thursday that former employees had embezzled over €1.5 million ($1.7 million) in what it termed a case of ‘systematic theft.’ The organization has provided comprehensive evidence to judicial and legal authorities to facilitate a criminal investigation. The scandal led to the termination of a consultant and an employee, while another implicated staff member had already departed before the misconduct was discovered. President Sebastian Coe emphasized the organization’s commitment to transparency and accountability, pledging to employ ‘the full force of the law’ to reclaim the stolen funds. Coe criticized the common practice of concealing such incidents, asserting that World Athletics prioritizes integrity and good governance, even in uncomfortable situations.