Pearce will not make Bale complaint

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26 July 2012-PA Sport

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.

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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 its opening game at Old Trafford on Thursday evening (Friday morning AEST), the 23-year-old played and scored for his club in its pre-season match with Los Angeles Galaxy in the United States.

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 Hotspur's tour.

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 12 August should the FA lodge an official objection.

However, Press Association Sport understands that will not happen.

Aside from the fact it would look exceptionally petty given Bale would not miss any competitive matches even if he was suspended, Pearce is eager to maintain his focus on Thursday evening's game.

It has also been pointed out that, after Wednesday morning's final training session, Pearce's initial 18-man squad remains intact, unlike Roy Hodgson, who lost four members of his EURO 2012 to injury before a ball had been kicked.

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