David Beckham Cut From Olympic Team

David Beckham won’t be playing for Britain’s Olympic soccer team this year in London.

Beckham, who carried the Olympic torch earlier this year, was disappointed about Coach Stuart Pearce’s decision. But the Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder said that he was ready to help the team from the stands.

Beckham said:

“Everyone knows how much playing for my country has always meant to me, so I would have been honored to have been part of this unique Team GB squad…. Naturally I am very disappointed, but there will be no bigger supporter of the team than me. And like everyone, I will be hoping they can win the gold.”

Beckham has been the face of the London Olympics since the city won the bid in 2005. London organizing chairman Sebastian Coe said that Beckham may still find a place at the 2012 London Olympics. Coe said:

“David has been an extraordinary supporter, probably our No. 1 supporter, of the games from the very beginning and is keen to continue his enthusiastic support right to the end… He really gets this. He is from east London and knows how important the games and sport are to young people. He is a great role model and we are lucky to have such an advocate. I will be talking to him about a games-time role.”

The Washington Post reports that Coach Pearce hasn’t given a reason for cutting Beckham yet but is expected to when the complete roster for Britain’s Olympic soccer team becomes available later this week.

But there is some good news for Beckham. Now that his Olympic schedule is cleared he’ll be able to watch his wife in the Spice Girls musical.