Els won the Order of Merit in 2003 and 2004

The pair chose instead to play in the Singapore Masters and blamed poor scheduling for their absence in Spain.

Els, who has a three-year commitment to the event in Asia, said: "A lot of things have been said but the truth's the truth and I know the truth."

The South African missed the cut while Westwood is four shots off the lead.

Interview: Colin Montgomerie

Westwood added: "I think that everybody wants it over and done with so this mistake doesn't happen again next year."

606: DEBATE I think that, whichever way one looks at it, the European Tour will never have unquestioned loyalty from those to whom we are not the home Tour kwiniaskagolfer

Els leads the European Tour Order of Merit but he, and Westwood, chose to miss the season-ending tournament at Valderrama as they had been contracted to play in Singapore.

European Tour chief George O'Grady said he will speak to players individually and when asked for his reaction Els replied: "I've said enough. It seems like nobody wants to let it go.

"I've just missed the cut here, I hope they're happy over there."

The mismanagement on behalf of the tour is disappointing Lee Westwood

Westwood added: "I think that everybody wants it over and done with. Both sponsors have suffered - Volvo and Barclays (who sponsor the Singapore Open).

"Barclays also lost out on a couple of players that would have ordinarily been playing here in Sergio (Garcia) and Padraig (Harrington).

"The mismanagement on behalf of the tour is disappointing.

"I'd like to have played in both tournaments and hopefully it will be corrected in years to come so I can play in the last couple of events of the European season."

The Valderrama event will settle a five-man battle for the Order of Merit with Padraig Harrington, Justin Rose, Henrik Stenson and Niclas Fasth all hoping to overtake Els.