AARON Cook’s management team believe it will be a “national disgrace” if the European champion is denied a place at this summer’s Olympics.

The Dorchester fighter has been overlooked for the final spot in the Great Britain squad for a third time, despite being ranked number one in the world.

GB Taekwondo have again opted for Lutalo Muhammad in favour of the 21-year-old, even though the former is ranked 58 places lower in the -80kg division.

A statement released by Professional Sports Group, who manage the county town ace, reads: “We have appealed directly to the BOA not to ratify this flawed decision again.

“In the meantime, we are considering Aaron’s position, including all his legal options.

“This is an embarrassment not only for the sport of Taekwondo internationally, but also for Great Britain’s international reputation in hosting the London 2012 Games.

“If the British world number one and reigning European champion does not compete, it will be a national disgrace, which the world’s media will highlight. We remain committed to overturning this flawed recommendation.”

The British Olympic Association rejected last week’s nomination of Muhammad and their Olympic Qualification Standards Panel will today consult with the World Taekwondo Federation before making a final decision on whether to ratify Cook’s omission from the GB team.

A BOA statement read: “Given the importance of the issues being considered, the OQS Panel will consult with the World Taekwondo Feder-ation and the British Olympic Association board of directors before making its final decision.

“This consultation will take place (today) and the panel will make its decision as quickly as possible thereafter.”

Meanwhile, the WTF are to review the selection process which has seen Cook rejected on three occasions.

“We are extremely disappointed by the way in which British Taekwondo’s selection process has been conducted and it is clear that the lack of a conclusive rationale has caused confusion,” said secretary general Jean-Marie Ayer.

“The manner of the selection is bringing our sport into disrepute among the UK media and major Olympic stakeholders due to a perceived lack of transparency.

“Our main concern is always that every athlete is given fair and equal consideration – their welfare must come first.

“We at the WTF have done our utmost to bring fair practices and transparency to our sport and that is why we have committed to undertaking this review.”

Ayer said the review, likely to be conducted over the next couple of weeks, would look at whether any regulations had been broken but could not overrule GB Taekwondo’s decision.

One young fan has even started an online petition (change.org/petitions/put-aaron-cook-in-the-olympics), which already has more than 1,000 signatures protesting Cook’s omission.