SYDNEY- The Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) will decide whether Nick D'Arcy is allowed to compete in this year's Beijing Olympics following assault charges brought against him, Swimming Australia (SAL) said on Friday.

Australia's Nick D'Arcy waves after winning the Men's 200-meter Butterfly at the Australian Swimming Championships in Sydney on March 25. AOC will decide whether Nick D'Arcy is allowed to compete in this year's Beijing Olympics following assault charges brought against him, Swimming Australia (SAL) said on Friday. [Agencies]

D'Arcy was charged by police on Monday following an incident in a Sydney nightclub in which he was accused of punching former Commonwealth swimming champion Simon Cowley.

"At this point in time, SAL can confirm that Nick will not participate in an Australian Swimming Team Olympic Orientation Camp to be held in Canberra starting April 20," SAL said in a statement.

"It is important to note that until criminal proceedings have been finalised, SAL is unable to comment further on the allegations and charges.

"There is a strict legal process that must be followed and SAL must ensure it does not interfere with the judicial process."

National sporting bodies must submit their Olympic teams to the AOC for final approval. An investigation is underway to decide whether swimming has been brought into disrepute.

D'Arcy, who qualified for the Olympics in the 100 and 200 metres butterfly, has pulled out of the Australian team for next week's world shortcourse championships in England.