British Cycling has fired one of its key coaches for serious misconduct, including "a prolonged and inappropriate relationship with an athlete."

Kevin Stewart, who was in charge of the track sprint division, was fired for discrediting the national federation.

An investigation found "no evidence of a physical relationship between Stewart and an athlete on the Great Britain Cycling Team," but the use of electronic communications was deemed "inappropriate."

In a statement released by British Cycling on Wednesday, Stewart said, "I acknowledge that my conduct was unacceptable and sincerely apologize to the team."

"Realizing that my actions had destabilized my position on the team, I submitted my resignation before I was fired.

The statement also explained that Stewart had been warned by British Cycling's performance director, Stephen Park, about his conduct, but "failed to follow specific instructions" regarding his relationship with the players.

"It was an unpleasant incident for everyone involved, but it shows the robustness of the process we have in place when concerns are raised," Park said.

"The Great Britain Cycling team has clearly defined expectations of behavior and values, and we must hold ourselves and each other accountable when we do not meet the standards of behavior we set as a team.

This news comes a day after British Cycling announced the appointment of Brian Facer as CEO, replacing Julie Harrington in January.

Faser, described as a "passionate cyclist" who has spent most of his career playing rugby, joins from the London Irish Club as British Cycling heads to the Tokyo Olympics.

"It's an exciting time for the entire cycling community across the country as we enter a year of postponed Olympics and Paralympics, as well as a British rider becoming a Grand Tour champion and a dramatic increase in the number of recreational cyclists in the past six months." Facer said.

"I have always been an avid cyclist, from cycling with my family to mountain biking across the Alps to completing the Etap du Tour, including the Col du Tourmalet and Alpe d'Huez, so being offered the position of CEO of British Cycling is a dream It's a dream come true."