Pearce will not make Bale complaint

25 July 2012 16:17

Great Britain boss Stuart Pearce will not be making a complaint to FIFA about Gareth Bale's withdrawal from Olympic duty with a back injury.

Bale was not selected in Pearce's 18-man squad after reporting that he would not be fit enough to take part. Yet, with GB set to take on Senegal in their opening game at Old Trafford on Thursday, the 23-year-old played and scored for his club Tottenham in their pre-season match with the Los Angeles Galaxy in the United States on Tuesday.

It immediately led to a string of complaints, with former Wales skipper Robbie Savage and England striker Gary Lineker expressing their surprise at Bale's presence on Tottenham's tour. However, Pearce is eager to maintain his focus on Thursday evening's game.

FIFA president Sepp Blatter weighed into the argument, claiming that he would be willing to sanction Bale being suspended until the end of Olympic competition on August 12 should the FA lodge an official objection. However, Press Association Sport understands that will not happen.

Pearce also does not believe generating attention around what he sees as a side issue is the best way forward given the potential for drawing publicity away from Wednesday afternoon's opening Olympic event, GB women's group opener against New Zealand in Cardiff.

The FA and British Olympic Association have not commented on Bale's appearance, but Blatter earlier said if there was an official complaint to FIFA then the 23-year-old could be banned for playing again for Spurs - even in friendlies - until August 12.

Asked about Bale, Blatter told the Press Association: "The principle is that if a club does not release a player then this association can come to FIFA and we will then ban this player during the duration of the Olympics.

"So far nobody came to FIFA to say we should, but it is a possibility we could ban these players if they are not at the disposal of the national team.

"They (the association) complain and then we say let this player go or he cannot play for the club. FIFA's position has never been so clear than it is now for the Olympics 2012 and 2016."

After making his comeback, Bale said his rehabilitation from a back injury was "well ahead of schedule". He told Spurs TV Online: "After about 65 minutes my calf started to cramp up a bit but it was a good workout. It was one that I needed and it was good to get a goal as well."

Source: PA