Moynihan takes aim at Blatter

Moynihan claimed he could "understand" the anger of Great Britain fans who saw Bale pull out of the Games with a back injury only for the winger to take part in a pre-season friendly for Tottenham.

That was almost two days before Team GB's opening Olympic match against Senegal and sparked widespread criticism of the 23-year-old.

Moynihan said: "I understand the response from some football fans who were hoping to see him play as part of Team GB.

"My view is different.

"I welcome the fact that he has returned from injury earlier than expected."

He added: "I don't agree with Sepp Blatter's comments about banning him.

"I think Sepp Blatter needs to get closer to Team GB."

The British men will kick off a day after their female counterparts got the Olympic host off to a successful start against New Zealand.

Moynihan was at the Mansion House when the result came in and said he had "never heard such a raucous noise" in the building.

He added: "It's lifted the whole atmosphere around Team GB in the Village.

"I think in their own right the women are going to be history makers for Team GB."

BOA chef de mission Andy Hunt said: "Any athletes who weren't in training were watching and listening to the matches."