FOOTBALL LEAKS
David Beckham denies 'Football Leaks' accusations
It was alleged that Beckham carried out work for global children's charity UNICEF as a means to gain favour under the UK honours system and wasn't happy when not knighted.
Strong denials from the Beckham camp
A report on Friday claimed that information was obtained by the European Investigative Collaborations network and then published across Europe, alleging that ex-Real Madrid and Manchester United player David Beckham carried out work for global children's charity UNICEF as a means to gain favour under the UK honours system and reacted angrily when he was not granted a knighthood.
But a representative of the 41-year-old ex-Manchester United and Real Madrid midfielder insists the information published should be treated with due scepticism in light of how it was obtained and presented.
"This story is based on outdated material taken out of context from hacked and doctored private emails from a third party server and gives a deliberately inaccurate picture," read a statement released to Omnisport. "David Beckham and UNICEF have had a powerful partnership in support of children for over 15 years. The David Beckham 7 Fund specifically has raised millions of pounds and helped millions of vulnerable children around the world. David Beckham has given significant time and energy and has made personal financial donations to the 7 Fund and this commitment will continue long term.
"Before establishing the 7 Fund, David had supported UNICEF and a number of other charities over many years, including donating his entire earnings from PSG during his time playing there. David and UNICEF are rightly proud of what they have and will continue to achieve together and are happy to let the facts speak for themselves.”
Charity group in strong support of their star man
UNICEF issued a release of their own, detailing and praising Beckham's work for charity. The statement read:
"UNICEF has become aware of media reports relating to 7: The David Beckham UNICEF Fund. Some reports relate to alleged private correspondence between our ambassador and other parties, which we have not seen and cannot comment upon. David Beckham has been a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador since 2005, and as well as generously giving his time, energy and support to help raise awareness and funds for UNICEF’s work for children, David has given significant funds personally.
"We are extremely proud of the 7 Fund and all it has achieved for children. Since it launched in February 2015 it has raised millions of pounds for UNICEF programmes and reached millions of people around the world with crucial messages about our work for very vulnerable children."