Olympics: World body to review GB Taekwondo fiasco

The British Olympic Association is to consult the World Taekwondo Federation in the next 24 hours as the decision to overlook world No 1 Aaron Cook for London 2012 comes under increasing scrutiny.

Great Britain Taekwondo’s nomination of Lutalo Muhammad, 59 ranking places below Cook, in the under 80kg division despite twice being asked to reconsider was already being looked at by the BOA.

Now the world governing body has announced a review of its own, after expressing concerns over the transparency of the process and claiming the manner of selection is bringing the sport into disrepute. The BOA’s Olympic Qualification Standards Panel reconvened today, having met last night to hear a review of the process from one of their lawyers – who was present at yesterday’s selection meeting – but will now speak to the WTF before coming to a decision on whether procedures were correctly followed.

The WTF had hoped the issue would be resolved without their involvement but, having watched matters develop yesterday, when the same five GB Taekwondo selectors picked Muhammad and provoked widespread media coverage, they have opted to act.

“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,” said secretary general Jean-Marie Ayer.

“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.

Last night Cook’s management company issued a statement in which they said it would be a “national disgrace” if the reigning European champion did not represent his country at London 2012.