Norway axes American speedskating coach Mueller after alleged sexual harassment

OSLO, Norway - The Norwegian Skating Association says it has fired its speedskating coach, former U.S. skater Peter Mueller, after an incident of alleged sexual harassment.

Association president Vibecke Soerensen says that the 55-year-old Mueller is being let go after a contractual violation and a failure to maintain ethical standards.

Earlier this month Norwegian skater Maren Haugli accused Mueller of sexual harassment for a remark he made on Oct. 31 at a team dinner in Berlin ahead of a speedskating World Cup.

Mueller apologized for the undisclosed remark at a press conference Friday, saying that he hadn't realized at the time that it would offend Haugli.