Great Britain’s Olympic coach Stuart Pearce has been backed in his decision to leave David Beckham out of his squad for the 2012 London Games by IOC President Jacques Rogge.

 

Pearce’s decision to omit Beckham as one of the squad’s three over-23 players has caused significant controversy considering the English midfielder’s legendary status.

 

For Rogge though, Beckham’s reputation must not come into the mix, with the Los Angeles Galaxy star being judged only on his merits on the pitch.

 

And Pearce’s decision must be respected.

 

“This is the law of sport, in sport you are judged by the qualities you display. The head coach is the head coach – if the head coach decides not to field the player that’s the end of it”, Rogge told CNN World Sport.

 

“Of course we’d have loved for David Beckham to be able to play a role in the games and I believe that the London organisers are looking for ways to take Beckham back in the mould of the games, and he’s done a great job in bidding for the games, he’s a great personality, he’s a very liked person, but it’s the law of sport”, added the IOC chief.

 

Beckham has expressed his disappointment at not being selected for Great Britain’s squad, but insisted he will be the side’s biggest supporter.

 

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