AMERICAN equestrian coach George Morris (81) has been permanently banned from the sport this week. Morris was accused of sexual misconduct with a minor and was banned by the US Equestrian Federation in August, pending appeal.

On Tuesday, the US Center for Safe Sport changed Morris’ status on its website to “permanently ineligible,” meaning the bid to overturn his ban in arbitration was unsuccessful.

The allegations are believed to be from incidents in the 1960s and 1970s. Two victims testified in independent arbitration earlier this month during the appeals process. Morris denied the charges.

Regarded as one of the US greats, Morris served as the chef d’equipe of the American show jumping team from 2005 to 2013, winning team gold at the 2008 Olympics. He was later chef d’equipe of the Brazilian team.

CEO of the US Equestrian Federation, Bill Moroney, said: “Yesterday’s ruling is the result of the Center’s process and we respect their decision.”

While the U.S. Center for SafeSport declined to comment on the matter itself, CEO Ju’Riese Colón made a statement, saying: “No matter how big a figure is in their sport, or how old the allegations, nobody is above accountability.

“Athletes and other sport participants must be empowered to stand up for what’s right and speak out against what they know to be wrong. .

“The center conducts thorough investigations before rendering a finding such as lifetime suspension. The victims in these matters not only suffered the abuse they first report, they often bravely survive countless attacks, even in their sport, for having the courage to speak up.

“Such a response is wrong on many levels, including the fact that it revictimizes those who already suffered. We cannot allow this behavior to continue as it undermines all that’s great about sport participation.

“While the center does not comment on specific matters, it wants all survivors, including those who came forward in this instance, to know that the SafeSport Code is in place to prevent abuse, provide a voice for those who need one, and hold abusers accountable.

“The decision to restrict an individual’s ability to participate in sport is not taken lightly, which is why the process is exhaustive and includes many provisions to ensure fairness so both claimants and responding parties are given ample opportunity to speak for themselves, provide evidence, seek counsel and be heard in front of another independent body.”