A statement has been released by British Judo in response to reports of a bullying accusation being levelled at the governing body.

The organisation insisted athlete welfare was "one of our highest priorities" and stressed it would "fully investigate" the matter.

UK Sport said it was also aware of an independent investigation being carried out by British Judo.

The bullying allegation comes just over four months before this year’s rescheduled Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games is due to start.

"Athlete welfare is one of our highest priorities as an organisation and British Judo will fully investigate all issues reported to us," a statement from British Judo read.

"We are conducting a full independent investigation in accordance with international procedures into the allegations made.

"British Judo will not be making any further comment at this time due to it being an ongoing process."

British Judo was awarded almost £5 million ($6.9 million/€5.8 million) in grassroots funding by Sport England for the 2017 to 2021 cycle.

UK Sport also announced in 2016 that British Judo’s performance programme would receive just under £10 million ($13.86 million/€11.65 million) ahead of Tokyo 2020.

British Cycling, British Bobsleigh and Skeleton Association, Archery GB and British Gymnastics have also faced allegations of bullying in recent years.

UK Sport chair Dame Katherine Grainger has previously insisted that any abusive behaviour would be "identified", "confronted" and "eradicated".

Speaking last September, chief executive Sally Munday also warned that UK Sport is prepared to "take money away" from governing bodies if they do not adhere to its standards on athlete well-being.

"My experience leads me to believe that the vast majority of people in high-performance sport are doing the right thing," said Munday.

"But it seems that there are some people who are not, so let me be clear and state this categorically.

"For anyone that doesn’t want to adhere to the highest standards of ethics and integrity my message is clear - you are not welcome in Olympic and Paralympic sport."

Britain has won 18 Olympic medals in judo with Sally Conway claiming middleweight bronze at Rio 2016.