Fifa's president Sepp Blatter has said that Gareth Bale could be banned from playing for Tottenham Hotspur during the Olympics, but only if the Football Association lodges an official complaint.

Bale withdrew from Stuart Pearce's Team GB men's football Olympic squad due to injury, but the Welshman played and scored in a pre-season friendly against LA Galaxy in California on Wednesday morning.

The FA and British Olympic Association have not commented on Bale's appearance, but Blatter said if there was an official complaint to Fifa then the 23-year-old could be banned for playing for Spurs – even in friendlies – until 12 August.

"The principle is that if a club does not release a player then this association can come to Fifa and we will then ban this player during the duration of the Olympics," said Blatter. "So far nobody came to Fifa to say we should, but it is a possibility we could ban these players if they are not at the disposal of the national team.

"They [the association] complain and then we say let this player go or he cannot play for the club. Fifa's position has never been so clear than it is now for the Olympics 2012 and 2016."

Fifa would have to judge that the club had not released him, but Spurs would argue Bale only returned to fitness this week. Blatter admitted that some countries – such as Switzerland – had not insisted on clubs releasing players but that all were entitled to do so.

After making his comeback, Bale revealed his rehabilitation from a back injury was "well ahead of schedule".

He told Spurs TV Online: "After about 65 minutes my calf started to cramp up a bit but it was a good workout. It was one that I needed and it was good to get a goal as well. My rehab's gone very well at the club - we are well ahead of schedule.

"I am glad to be back. It's important to get a pre-season under my belt for the season forthcoming so I am just delighted to be back now without any problems."

Bale came under fire on Twitter today, with former Wales star Robbie Savage posting: "So A legend like [Ryan] giggs plays for the GB team , but bale who pulls out with injury scores for spurs last night , is that right ?

"Wales capt [Aaron] Ramsey, most decorated player giggs , prem league winner [Micah] Richards , does bale think he's better than that even if he is class !"

Former England captain Gary Lineker posted: "Gareth Bale who pulled out of the Olympics through injury played for Spurs last night. Once in a lifetime opportunity thrown away £baffled."