The World Taekwondo Federation will review the process that led to Aaron Cook's omission from London 2012.
Taekwondo's governing body disappointed by Cook controversy
The World Taekwondo Federation have announced they will review the process that led to Aaron Cook's London 2012 rejection after stating they were "extremely disappointed" with the way he was omitted.
World number one Cook has been overlooked for a place in Team GB a total of three teams, with Lutalo Muhammad put forward by GB Taekwondo instead.
And the decision to select Muhammad, ranked 59 places below Cook, for the 80kg weight division will now be scrutinised by the sport's global governing body.
"We are extremely disappointed by the way in which British Taekwondo's selection process has been conducted and it is clear that the lack of a conclusive rationale has caused confusion," WTF secretary general Jean-Marie Ayer said.
"The manner of the selection is bringing our sport into disrepute among the UK media and major Olympic stakeholders due to a perceived lack of transparency.
"Our main concern is always that every athlete is given fair and equal consideration - their welfare must come first.
Transparency
"We at the WTF have done our utmost to bring fair practices and transparency to our sport and that is why we have committed to undertaking this review.
"People all over the world practise taekwondo because it represents sport in its purest form: an individual display of skill, speed and strength.
"It is essential that the WTF preserves that purity for its 201 member countries and 70 million practitioners with transparent and decisive governance."
The British Olympic Association have twice already asked GB Taekwondo to reconsider their decision to omit Cook.
The WTF's review, which is likely to be conducted over the next two weeks, will look at whether any regulations had been broken but cannot overrule GB Taekwondo's decision.
Ayer added: "Up until now, the WTF had hoped that this matter could be resolved internally at British Taekwondo.
Internal affairs
"As the global governing body we do not interfere with the selection processes and internal affairs of our member nations.
"We have always stated that the athletes nominated for selection must meet minimum requirements set in the Qualification System.
"We are not commenting on the decision to select or omit specific athletes, as the criteria imposed beyond our minimum requirements are the remit of the individual member nation.
"This review will not have the power to alter British Taekwondo's decision, but it will determine whether any rules of the WTF ethics code have been broken."
The BOA's Olympic Qualification Standards Panel subsequently announced they will consult with the WTF before making a final decision in their own selection panel process, with the nomination unable to be ratified until the BOA have finished their deliberations.
