Tottenham Hotspur have rubbished reports suggesting Gareth Bale was made unavailable for selection for Team GB.
The Wales international was selected in Stuart Pearce's squad for the
London Olympics, but sustained a back injury in the build-up to the
tournament and was forced to pull out.
However, Bale featured and scored for Spurs during their recent 1-1
draw with LA Galaxy, which took place one day before Team GB's opener
against Senegal.
The North London club are refusing to accept claims that they
exaggerated the winger's injury in order to rule him out of contention
for the competition.
"The club considers the recent comment and accusations regarding
Gareth Bale's fitness relating to his non selection for Team GB's men's
football team to be wholly unacceptable and unjustified," a statement
read on Spurs' official website.
"For the avoidance of any doubt and on a point of absolute clarity
and transparency - Gareth sustained an injury as he built up his fitness
ahead of joining up with Stuart Pearce's side. MRI scan reports were
sent to the FA medical team on 29 June (2012).
"He was subsequently not selected on the basis of this injury and the inability to predict recovery time
"This decision was not taken lightly and made only after consultation
with Team GB's medical team, who were in agreement after seeing the
medical reports.
"At no time was Gareth made unavailable for selection. Indeed, Gareth
made clear publicly on numerous occasions his desire to compete for
Team GB and was extremely disappointed on hearing the news he would not
be fit to participate.
"He is now focused on and determined to get fit for the season ahead
and to this end we have brought out an additional member of our medical
team on tour, dedicated to Gareth's recovery.
"We are dismayed that some have sought to make wrongful assumptions
about Gareth's particular situation and that such positive news
surrounding his recovery is being highlighted in this manner.
"We trust that this statement now clarifies this matter once and for all."
British Olympic Association chairman Lord Moynihan has rejected
suggestions made by FIFA President Sepp Blatter that Bale could be
banned from participating in Spurs' pre-season programme throughout the
duration of the Olympics.
"I don't agree with Sepp Blatter's comments about looking at banning him during the Games," he said.
"I think Sepp Blatter needs to get a bit closer to Team GB and maybe
join me on the Jubilee Line early in the morning. I didn't notice him
there this morning.
"It would've been helpful, because I could've explained the situation to him very clearly.
"I understand the response from some football fans who were hoping to see him play as part of Team GB.
"My view is different. I welcome the fact that, actually, he has returned from injury earlier than anticipated."
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