Spurs star Gareth Bale could sue Wales over Olympics selection, says Lord Moynihan

In full flow: Welsh flyer BaleGareth Bale could take legal action against the Football Association of Wales if they try to prevent him playing at next year's Olympic Games, according to Lord Moynihan. British Olympic Association chairman Lord Moynihan expects Tottenham winger Bale to be picked for the Great Britain team if he is deemed worthy of a place in the squad. The BOA face opposition from the FAW, who last week reiterated their stance on the selection of any Welsh player for London 2012. They fear releasing players for a British team will jeopardise theirstatus as an independent nation within FIFA, a position shared by theFAs of Scotland and Northern Ireland. But the BOA, who have given the Football Association responsibilityfor administering the team, are adamant there can be no discriminationin the selection of the squad on grounds of nationality, with LordMoynihan telling the Evening Standard: 'If Gareth Bale is eligible forselection, and if the FA determine that he is the best for the team,then he'll be selected - I would expect him to be. 'If they take sanctions against a player then the player would haverecourse to the courts on discrimination grounds. "If players felt theywere being excluded for any reason other than merit, they wouldabsolutely be able to challenge that decision.' Bale expressed a desire to play in the Olympics earlier thisseason, saying: 'The Olympics would be a great opportunity for a youngplayer like me to play in a major tournament. 'We all know Wales don't tend to qualify for too many of the big occasions.' Moynihan insisted he was 'sympathetic to concerns' a British teamwould lead to demands for a similar side at the World Cup and EuropeanChampionships. 'I want to do everything I can to help alleviate those concerns,' hesaid. 'That means making sure there are unequivocal statements fromFIFA, UEFA etc. 'I have intervened with FIFA to make sure those assurances are provided. If we need to get more assurances in writing, we will.' Steven Pienaar signs for Spurs! Everton contract rebel breaks news on TwitterClub-by-club guide to every Premier League transfer deal during JanuaryFormer London Mayor Livingstone blasts Tottenham's Olympic bid Villa pounce for £24m Bent as Bruce turns to Spurs striker PavlyuchenkoAll the latest Tottenham news, features and opinion   Explore more:People: Gareth Bale Places: London, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland Organisations: Football Association, British Olympic Association, Football Association of Wales

Source: Daily_Mail