British taekwondo fighter changes nationality to compete for Moldova

British taekwondo fighter Aaron Cook has been cleared to change his nationality and compete for Moldova in time for the 2016 Olympics in Rio.

Dorset-born Cook, 24, competed for Team GB at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing but was overlooked for London 2012 despite being ranked world number one.

Cook applied for citizenship earlier this month after receiving funding from Moldovan billionaire Igor Iuzefovici and has already received his passport from the small eastern European state.

The decision needed to be ratified by the British Olympic Association (BOA), but that approval came on Thursday morning.

A statement on the BOA website said: "Following a request from taekwondo athlete Aaron Cook to change his sporting nationality from British to Moldovan, the British Olympic Association (BOA) today announced that Cook's request has been approved.

"The Board of the British Olympic Association met on Monday 13 April 2015 to discuss Aaron Cook's request to change his sporting nationality."

Cook felt he was overlooked for London 2012 - when Lutalo Muhammad, who was selected instead, won bronze - because he decided to quit the British programme in 2011.

GB Taekwondo has always denied this, but Cook has refused to compete under the British flag since May 2012 and has fought for the Isle of Man since early 2013.

Cook has no family links to Moldova but announced his intention to change nationality in a statement on Facebook at the start of April, saying: ''Although I am upset and disappointed I will not represent my country of birth at another major championships, I felt I had no other option.

''Having received no funding or support from the GB system and financing myself since June 2011, this was not a situation that was acceptable to me and I did not want to put myself, family, friends, supporters or sport through the same situation we were forced to endure at the London 2012 Olympic Games.''

BOA chief executive Bill Sweeney revealed on Thursday the governing body had tried to persuade Cook to change his mind but in the end could do little other than respect the athlete's wishes.

"Despite the fact that there is no legitimate case for nationality change here, the BOA cannot compel any athlete to represent the United Kingdom against his or her will. As such, and as Aaron has now reiterated that he wishes to represent Moldova, rather than the country of his birth, at future taekwondo competitions, the BOA will not stand in his way."

Cook has previously said he hopes to represent Moldova for the first time at the inaugural Baku European Games in June.