A Syrian general with links to President Bashar Assad's regime has declared his determination to come to Britain for the London Olympics.
General Mofwaq Joumaa, president of the Syrian National Olympic Committee, wants to attend the opening ceremony at the head of a 31-strong delegation.
The Foreign Office would not comment on his specific case, but said that entry would be refused for individuals whose presence in the UK was not "conducive to the public good".
But, speaking to The Times, General Joumaa said that he would complain to the International Olympic Committee if his visa was denied.
Visas are still being sought for all of the 11 athletes and 20 officials - including coaches - wanting to attend the games on behalf of Syria, whose regime has been condemned by Britain for its brutal crackdown on opponents.
It is thought that the athletes may receive visas because those of Olympic standard are not required to serve in the armed forces, but there is a question mark against General Joumaa and other officials.
General Joumaa said: "If anyone was blocked because of their military background, that would be unfair. Anyone who has a military background in Syria, they are an ordinary citizen of this country.
"You have seen how much Syria enjoys security and safety. We are a peaceful country. The Syrian people have love in their hearts for the British people."
A Foreign Office spokeswoman referred to Foreign Office Minister Jeremy Browne's comments to Parliament this week: "Entry will be refused where an individual's presence at the Games or in the UK would not be conducive to the public good.
"Where there is independent, reliable and credible evidence that an individual has committed human rights abuses, the individual will not normally be permitted to enter the UK."