David Moorcroft, the chief executive of UK Athletics (UKA), has announced he is to step down from the organisation.

Moorcroft – who took charge of UKA in 1997 following the collapse of the British Athletics Federation – has come under fire in recent times after a string of disappointing international results.

He said: "I am convinced that I am taking the right decision at the right time. Athletics now has the system, funding, facilities and most importantly the people in place to take the sport into the next phase of its development."

Under Moorcroft, the governance of athletics has changed dramatically in recent years, with the Foster Report recommending a major overhaul of the club structure in 2004.

Meanwhile, its commercial strength has grown, signified by a £50m sponsorship deal signed with Norwich Union in April this year.

However, recent performances on the track have been less inspiring, with a disappointing European Championships earlier this month which saw one of Britain's poorest returns in recent times.

Moorcroft said: "I have been chief executive for nine challenging and rewarding years and I have decided it is the right time to let someone new take the helm and lead the sport through to 2012.

“I am proud of the UK Athletics I am leaving behind. The programme of support for athletes at every level is better than it has ever been.

"It has also been hugely encouraging to see a number of young talented athletes emerging on the international scene over the last year. These athletes will be in their prime in 2012 and athletics in the UK is now in a terrific position to support their Olympic aspirations."