David Beckham – GAME OF THE PEOPLE

DAVID BECKHAM has become one of the faces of Qatar 2022 – the TV cameras home in on him, he’s been at the centre of a number of controversies and the reaction to his role with the Qataris has not been well received. As a man who courts publicity wherever he goes, Beckham must have expected that his presence would attract attention, that his lucrative arrangements would be the target of criticism in this most unwanted of World Cups.

Some newspapers, such as the Daily Mirror, have suggested Beckham may have damaged his reputation beyond repair. Certainly, with a charity CV that includes UNICEF, Aids relief and sports development for children, Beckham’s eagerness to received vast sums of money from Qatar is contradictory to say the least. Social media, inevitably, has had its say: “Money means more to you than women’s safety…. It’s called greed. How much money do you need?”.

The artist Cold War Steve has created a piece of work that includes Beckham, in Peaky Blinders livery, rolling a wheelbarrow full of money along with other possible beneficiaries of the World Cup. The figures being mentioned vary, topping out at £ 150 million in the form of £ 15 million per year for 10 years.

Beckham’s arrangements are in stark contrast to his wife’s former Spice Girls colleague, Mel C, who has turned down the offer to sing at the World Cup as she would not be comfortable taking the money. The Daily Record wondered if this might create a rift between the Beckhams and the most savvy member of the band.

The Independent asks if “it is finally curtains for football’s golden boy….the man who could hitherto do no wrong?” The paper describes Beckham’s general demeanour as “sugary sweet but also achingly bland”.

The Athletic points out that Beckham has said very little about the key issues around Qatar, but prefers to offer the hope that “the World Cup will be a platform for progress and tolerance.” Such a soundbite is typical of this age of anodyne statements and any belief that appropriate due diligence has been done by meeting the country’s leaders is pure naivety. Nicholas McGeehan of human rights group Fair Square said he would ask Beckham, “where are you getting your information from. It is from the Qataris, it is far from independent. Ask Amnesty International or Human Rights Watch.”

Beckham’s past position as a gay icon has been all but destroyed given Qatar’s complete intolerance of homosexuality. Peter Tatchell, the campaigner for gay rights, has urged Beckham to think again about the company he keeps.

But it could get worse for the former England captain. The Financial Times reported that Beckham is happy to talk to anyone who might be interested in buying Manchester United, his old club, with the aim of “lending credibility” to a bid. The Guardian, noting Beckham’s very neat facial hair, commented: “Let’s hope our manscaped figurehead finds a ship to lash himself to in a very short order, allowing him to once again set sail on lucrative tides.”

Rio Ferdinand, speaking to the Manchester Evening News, said Beckham did not have the cash to take over United but, “he would come with a consortium. He comes with people who do have deep pockets who have the ability to and go and execute on a deal like that.”

Meanwhile, the editor of Attitude magazine, which featured Beckham on its cover, has spoken out about the stunt performed by comedian Joe Lycett in which he promised to shred £ 10,000 if Beckham didn’t withdraw from Qatar. “The fall of David Beckham’s star has been fast and heavy. It’s a reminder that being an advocate for not just LGBTQ+ rights, but women’s rights, immigrant worker’s rights and any human rights should not be lip service. It’s not a trend to boost a person’s profile. Human rights are not a fashion statement to be made to generate coverage in the style pages of tomorrow’s magazines. They are not a new haircut to stir up media attention. They are real issues that affect the livelihood of billions of vulnerable people around the country.”

Sources: Daily Mirror, Independent, Daily Record, Manchester Evening News, Financial Times, The Guardian, Daily Mail, The Athletic, Attitude.

THE problem with successful people is they believe they are good at anything and everything. Thanks to the world’s over fascination with celebrity status and wealth, such individuals are indulged by the broader population, partly because deep down, everyone wants to be the golden boy or girl and also, because they also despise the rich and famous.

Phil Neville enjoyed a fabulous playing career as one of Manchester United’s Class of ’92, appearing almost 400 times for United and winning an astonishing 59 caps for England. Neville was possibly one of the least celebrated members of that group, but he has truly leveraged his career to prolong his time in the spotlight.

Neville has announced he is leaving his job with the England Women’s national team to coach David Beckham’s Inter Miami. Once more, he has landed on his feet, exiting from a job that had gone a little sour and finding refuge in the sunshine state.

Neville’s time with the women’s side turned after the team was knocked out of the World Cup in 2019 and he was criticised for his tactics. His response was almost Trumpian: ‘”I’ve got a vision nobody else has. I’ve got bravery that no other coach had. So, do you know what? Thank your lucky stars. I’m here.” Such a comment was never going to endear him to the media.

The Daily Telegraph’s Luke Edwards said that it was difficult to avoid the conclusion that Neville’s long-term plans as England coach were all about Phil Neville. Since the World Cup, results have been poor and progress appears to have stalled. He announced in April 2020 that he would be leaving the role, which does make you wonder why the Football Association didn’t replace him then. Like a CEO who lets the world know he is retiring in six, 12 months, power slips away at that point.

Alex Scott, former England international and now BBC pundit, struggled to see where the standout performances were for Neville’s England. “It never really happened,” she noted.

Scott also puts the SheBelieves Cup win of 2019 into perspective. “Is that a competition to be shouting about in terms of an achievement? I don’t think so.” Certainly, England’s displays against truly top teams has been sub-optimal. Neville’s win rate as England manager was 54%, 10 percentage points below Mark Sampson’s record before him.

Jonathan Liew of The Independent, highlights the old pals’ act of Neville moving to Miami. “The defining motif of Neville’s coaching career to date is a series of doors being held open for him: a path that ironically enough would not exist for a woman of equivalent talent.”

Simon Jordan, the former Crystal Palace owner, was highly critical of the move. Speaking to Talk Sport, he said: “I’m not entirely sure his abilities merit it…I think there’s an element of ‘jobs for the boys’ here. Would he get the job if David Beckham wasn’t involved?”.

The Miami Herald said Neville’s arrival is part of Inter Miami’s second year makeover. He replaces Diego Alonso as coach. Inter finished 19^th overall in Major League Soccer and 10^th in the 14-team Eastern Conference. Beckham was mostly in the UK as Inter struggled to find their feet. He has said he will take a more hands-on approach for the second season. “I know his qualities, his decency and honesty,” said the former England captain, who called his old team-mate “a natural leader”.

The FA has already appointed Neville’s successor in Sarina Wiegmann, the Netherlands manager, but she will not arrive until September 2021. An interim appointment is obviously a priority.

It won’t be as expensive as the hiring of former Manchester United player, who has actually raised the profile of women’s football. “Phil Neville’s England reign is a costly mistake,” said the Guardian’s Suzanne Wrack back in April when his departure was known.

Sources: BBC, Miami Herald, Daily Telegraph, Independent, The Guardian