According to a report in The Times, Welsh duo Craig Bellamy and Ryan Giggs, and England's Micah Richards, are the three over-age players selected.

Beckham has confirmed that he has not been selected.

He was informed of the decision last night by Team GB manager Stuart Pearce in a transatlantic telephone call.

"Everyone knows how much playing for my country has always meant to me," said Beckham. 

"So I would have been honored to have been part of this unique Team GB squad."

The Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder had made Team GB's 35-man preliminary shortlist and seemed certain to win one of the three places allowed for players over the age of 23, especially as he has been so emblematic for London 2012 ever since the bid was launched 10 years ago.

He played a high-profile role in the final presentation to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in 2005 and had been part of the delegation that travelled to Athens last month to collect the Olympic Flame.

"Naturally I am very disappointed, but there will be no bigger supporter of the team than me," said Beckham.

"And like everyone, I will be hoping they can win the gold."

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