GB Taekwondo’s (GBT) controversial decision not to select World Number 1, Aaron Cook for the Great Britain Olympic team at London 2012 is likely to be settled in court.
GBT’s selection panel met after being told by the British Olympic Association (“BOA”) to reconsider its decision to select Lutalo Muhammad (ranked 104th in the world) in favour of Cook. However, GBT’s five panel members again nominated Muhammad.
The Guardian has reported that the BOA is considering the unprecedented step of forcing GBT to select Cook (the world No1).
The Olympic Charter states that in “exceptional circumstances” a national Olympic committee can intervene in selection matters. The BOA has historically stayed well clear of using this power.
The BOA’s decision is expected imminently, once they have taken appropriate legal advice. It is likely that whatever the decision, either Cook, GBT or Muhammad will launch a legal challenge against the decision.