Gareth Bale returned to feature for Tottenham in a 1-1 draw against LA Galaxy on Wednesday night, causing a controversy.
The Wales international was initially selected for Stuart Pearce’s Team GB squad, but pulled out due to a back injury.
However, with the winger featuring for Spurs before the Olympics has even started, Sky Sports state that Pearce may well make a complaint to Fifa over the White Hart Lane man’s conduct.
Sepp Blatter has also confirmed that Bale could well be in line for a disciplinary charge should the Team GB coach lodge a complaint.
“The principle is that if a club does not release a player then this association can come to FIFA and we will then ban this player during the duration of the Olympics,” said Blatter.
“So far nobody came to FIFA to say we should, but it is a possibility we could ban these players if they are not at the disposal of the national team.
“They complain and then we say let this player go or he cannot play for the club. FIFA’s position has never been so clear than it is now for the Olympics 2012 and 2016.”
Meanwhile Bale has confirmed that his return was earlier than expected.
“After about 65 minutes my calf started to cramp up a bit but it was a good workout. It was one that I needed and it was good to get a goal as well,” he told the side’s official website.
“My rehab’s gone very well at the club – we are well ahead of schedule.
“I am glad to be back. It’s important to get a pre-season under my belt for the season forthcoming so I am just delighted to be back now without any problems,” he concluded.
By Gareth McKnight
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