IOC president Jacques Rogge has defended Stuart Pearce over his decision to omit David Beckham from his Team GB squad for the Olympics.
The Los Angeles Galaxy star was widely tipped for inclusion after playing an integral role in London's bid to host the tournament, but failed to make the grade.
Pearce claimed that the former England international was left out for footballing reasons, expressing concerns over his fitness, a call that has now received Rogge's backing.
"The head coach is the head coach," he told CNN. "If the head coach decides not to field the player, that's the end of it.
"This is not an issue for sentiment; 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.
"He's (Beckham) done a great job in bidding for the Games; he's a great personality; he's a very likeable person - but it's the law of sport."
Beckham is still expected to be involved in the Olympics in some capacity, with reports suggesting he is in line for a coaching role.
Mark Langshaw
