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COOK FIGHT CONTINUES

21st June 2012, 09:49am

Aaron Cook: Not currently in GB team

Aaron Cook: Not currently in GB team

Aaron Cook's representatives have vowed to continue their fight against his Olympic exclusion.

The world number one star was controversially overlooked for London 2012 selection the GB Taekwondo instead picking Lutalo Muhammad, a European champion at a higher weight division.

However, matters are rumbling on, the latest seeing Cook's legal team making submissions to the British Olympic Association in which they claim new evidence, from leading independent website Mastaekwondo.com, supports their case.

Cook's manager Jamie Cunningham said in a statement: "We can confirm that (lawyers) Harbottle & Lewis have written to the BOA with advice from Michael Beloff QC of Blackstone Chambers.

"We have also included new evidence, including a sworn statement by the journalist from Mastaekwondo.com, the world's leading independent Taekwondo news website.

"We can also confirm that we have fully supported the World Taekwondo Federation's investigation into the selection process.

"Finally, we would like to thank all Taekwondo athletes, media and officials who have approached us from the UK and internationally with information and advice.

"I am sure that there is more to come and again any such approaches can be made either to myself or Robert Mitchell from Harbottle & Lewis in strictest confidence."

Cook claims he had been "cheated" out of his rightful place because of the decision to leave the GB Taekwondo Academy programme, which the governing body have always refuted.

The BOA ratified Muhammad's inclusion at the third time of asking, and are adamant GB Taekwondo's selection process was above board.

However, chief executive of Mastaekwondo.com Claudio Aranda maintained he would stand by an article published during February this year, in which it was stated information had been obtained which "asserts that Cook would not be confirmed to participate in London 2012" - and will give evidence if necessary.

GB Taekwondo has issued a statement in response.

It reads: "GB Taekwondo categorically denies any suggestion that this selection decision, for the under-80kg category, was pre-determined. This is simply untrue and malicious.

"We are seeking more information on the very serious and damaging allegations made and will comment further in due course."

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