IOC president Jacques Rogge has backed the decision not to pick David Beckham for Team GB's football squad.
Rogge insists 'law of sport' comes above sentiment
International Olympic Committee president Jacques Rogge has backed the decision not to pick David Beckham for Team GB's football squad, insisting that there is no room for 'nostalgia' in sport.
The former England captain has been very open about his desire to represent Great Britain at the Olympics and his prominent role in helping London get the games left many believing he would be included.
However, Team GB manager Stuart Pearce opted against including the LA Galaxy winger as one of his over-age players when he announced his squad on Monday, opting instead for Ryan Giggs, Craig Bellamy and Micah Richards.
The decision, which Pearce insists was taken for 'footballing reasons', caused something of a storm as it was felt Beckham deserved a place as reward for a glittering career and help in the bidding process.
Rogge though feels there is no room for sentiment at this level of the game and has respected Pearce's decision.
"This is the law of sport, in sport you are judged by the qualities you display. The head coach is the head coach - if the head coach decides not to field the player that's the end of it," he told
CNN.
Nostalgia
"You win or you lose, or you are fielded or not fielded by the head coach, that's the law of sport and nothing will change. "This is not an issue for sentiments, it's not an issue for nostalgia - it's about being the best athlete in the world in your own place, in your own sport."
Rogge did, however, recognise the achievements of the former Manchester midfielder and expressed his hope that the 37-year-old will be involved in London 2012 in some capacity.
"Of course we'd have loved for David Beckham to be able to play a role in the Games and I believe that the London organisers are looking for ways to take Beckham back in the mould of the Games," he added.
"He's done a great job in bidding for the Games, he's a great personality, he's a very liked person, but it's the law of sport."
