WORLD number one Aaron Cook’s failure to secure nomination for this summer’s Olympics has provoked a scathing response from his management company.

After a two-day review of the selection process the British Olympic Association decided to ratify Great Britain Taekwondo’s choice of Lutalo Muhammad in the under-80kg division.

It means Dorchester’s Cook, who will consider over the weekend whether to pursue legal action, will not take part at London 2012.

“Aaron is naturally incredibly disappointed with the BOA decision,” said a statement from the 21-year-old’s management company.

“It is an absolute disgrace that a British world number one has not been selected for the London Olympics by either his governing body or Olympic Association.

“The STUK Taekwondo selectors should be ashamed of themselves.”

Cook left the GB Taekwondo set-up a year ago to work outside the programme and his supporters have always felt this has worked against him.

“Since Aaron’s departure from their club the results are plain for everyone to see,” added the statement.

“But Aaron’s results with his new team have not been good enough to justify his selection.

"Yet he is world number one, European champion and has beaten 10 of the top 15 athletes in the Olympic rankings in his most recent fights.

"What more could Aaron have done? Is the message that if you fund yourself and do not take Lottery funding then you cannot participate in the Olympic Games?

"UK Sport needs to ask and be asked some serious questions.

"We urge the World Taekwondo Federation to consider the ramifications of this flawed decision for their great sport.

"It makes a mockery of the taekwondo -80kg competition in the London Olympics.

"Aaron will be considering whether he wishes to pursue a legal route to contest this decision over the weekend.

"Aaron, his family, his legal advisors and Professional Sports Group will not be making any further media comment."

Cook had been overlooked three times by GB Taekwondo, but after complaints by the athlete, the BOA and the World Taekwondo Federation launched reviews into the selection process.

After a teleconference involving the BOA board, the Olympic Qualification Standards (OQS) panel - which can only accept or reject nominations and is not permitted to select their own choice - then conferred with the WTF this afternoon before coming to the conclusion to back the nomination of Muhammad.

However, the BOA said the OQS panel reserves the right to reconsider the nomination subject to the findings of the ongoing inquiry being led by the WTF.

GB Taekwondo performance director Gary Hall welcomed the decision, saying: "This has been a long and difficult process for all involved, for the selection panel members and particularly for the two athletes concerned.

"Both are outstanding candidates and truly world class, both capable of medalling in London. This has been the most difficult of selection decisions.

"During the course of this selection process, GB Taekwondo has followed the instructions and recommendations of both Sport Resolutions and the British Olympic Association in reaching its decision to nominate Lutalo Muhammad.

"I am therefore pleased that the BOA has now expressed their satisfaction that the approved selection procedures have been followed and that they have now ratified our full complement of athletes for London 2012.

"I hope that we can now move on with our preparations for the Games and that Sarah (Stevenson), Jade (Jones), Martin (Stamper) and now Lutalo are given full support as they target medals for Great Britain this summer."