eternal_spirit
31-05-2007, 03:44 PM
The brotherhoods chosen sporting hero
Beckham knighthood block is denied
Reports that Whitehall officials may be seeking to block a knighthood for football star David Beckham have been dismissed by the Cabinet Office.
A spokeswoman said there had been no discussions of that kind, and civil servants were anyway not in a position to stop nominations in their tracks.
Reports in the London Evening Standard suggested questions had been raised over a possible honour for Beckham because of his planned move to the USA.
An unnamed source was quoted as saying there was concern that Beckham's five-year contract with Los Angeles Galaxy might prevent him appearing again in an England shirt, shortly after his recall to the squad for next week's European Championship qualifier against Estonia.
But the Cabinet Office spokeswoman said the department - which oversees the honours process - did not recognise the claim.
Names are currently being considered for inclusion in Tony Blair's Resignation Honours list, as well as the Queen's annual Birthday Honours. It is not known whether 32-year-old Beckham is among them, but speculation is rife that he may be about to add to the OBE he won in 2003.
Under a system set up following a 2004 review of the transparency of honours awards, any sporting stars nominated for gongs are scrutinised by the Sport Honours Committee, chaired by the former chairman of the England and Wales Cricket Board Lord MacLaurin. Also sitting on the committee are leading figures from the world of sport including Dame Tanni Grey Thompson, Sir Matthew Pinsent, Tessa Sanderson and Sir Bobby Robson, as well as a senior civil servant from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.
Names approved by this body are passed on for review by the main Honours Committee, chaired by the head of the home civil service, Cabinet Secretary Sir Gus O'Donnell, which agrees the final list for submission through the Prime Minister to the Queen.
A knighthood for the Real Madrid star would make his former Spice Girl wife Lady Beckham - a title she has made clear she would relish. She told the BBC last year: "I'd love that, that would be quite fabulous. It's just so camp, it's wonderful isn't it? Lady Victoria... that would be quite amazing."
As well as his record as England captain, Beckham's claim to a knighthood is bolstered by his work for charity and his role in securing the 2012 Olympic Games for London.
Beckham knighthood block is denied
Reports that Whitehall officials may be seeking to block a knighthood for football star David Beckham have been dismissed by the Cabinet Office.
A spokeswoman said there had been no discussions of that kind, and civil servants were anyway not in a position to stop nominations in their tracks.
Reports in the London Evening Standard suggested questions had been raised over a possible honour for Beckham because of his planned move to the USA.
An unnamed source was quoted as saying there was concern that Beckham's five-year contract with Los Angeles Galaxy might prevent him appearing again in an England shirt, shortly after his recall to the squad for next week's European Championship qualifier against Estonia.
But the Cabinet Office spokeswoman said the department - which oversees the honours process - did not recognise the claim.
Names are currently being considered for inclusion in Tony Blair's Resignation Honours list, as well as the Queen's annual Birthday Honours. It is not known whether 32-year-old Beckham is among them, but speculation is rife that he may be about to add to the OBE he won in 2003.
Under a system set up following a 2004 review of the transparency of honours awards, any sporting stars nominated for gongs are scrutinised by the Sport Honours Committee, chaired by the former chairman of the England and Wales Cricket Board Lord MacLaurin. Also sitting on the committee are leading figures from the world of sport including Dame Tanni Grey Thompson, Sir Matthew Pinsent, Tessa Sanderson and Sir Bobby Robson, as well as a senior civil servant from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.
Names approved by this body are passed on for review by the main Honours Committee, chaired by the head of the home civil service, Cabinet Secretary Sir Gus O'Donnell, which agrees the final list for submission through the Prime Minister to the Queen.
A knighthood for the Real Madrid star would make his former Spice Girl wife Lady Beckham - a title she has made clear she would relish. She told the BBC last year: "I'd love that, that would be quite fabulous. It's just so camp, it's wonderful isn't it? Lady Victoria... that would be quite amazing."
As well as his record as England captain, Beckham's claim to a knighthood is bolstered by his work for charity and his role in securing the 2012 Olympic Games for London.