British Olympic Association angered by athletes' legal action

British Olympic Association has said it was dismayed by decision of a group of athletes to pursue legal action while holding talks regarding International Olympic Committee's controversial Rule 40. regulation restricts deals athletes can strike for mselves during a specific period in and around Games, with aim to protect IOC and national team sponsors from ir commercial rivals. British sprinter Adam Gemili, however, has labelled rule "ridiculous, unjust and unfair" ahead of next year's Olympic Games in Tokyo.

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re are 20 names listed on a legal letter sent to BOA last month but governing body on Tuesday said it would contest any action because of its duty to all Olympic sport in Britain.

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" BOA can confirm it has formally responded to recent legal challenge brought against BOA's interpretation of IOC's Rule 40 in UK," it said in a statement.

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BOA added it had enjoyed a "positive meeting" last week with representatives of athletes who had challenged Rule 40 and remained open to a resolution that balanced need for individual athletes to maximise ir income while defending a system that has sold rights collectively on behalf of all of Team GB, including "smaller" sports and "less high-profile athletes". Officials insisted that despite "encouraging" conversations y had been "dismayed by ongoing legal tactics being conducted in background" and would respond robustly in defence of all those served by BOA, a t-for-profit independent organisation that receives tax payer or British government funds. 

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