Plot to smear David Beckham in a bid to wreck England World Cup hopes

In a bid to wreck England’s World Cup hopes in South Africa, ace footballer David Beckham was at the centre of “dirty tricks” and unfounded personal allegations when he touched down in the UK from Afghanistan.

He was the innocent victim of claims made in an attempt to disrupt England’s preparations for the tournament, which kicks off in South Africa in just 17 days.

They were printed in an Australian magazine, but soon spread across the globe, the Daily Star reports.

Sources close to the Beckhams described the allegations as “complete nonsense”, and said the injured football ace was considering legal action to defend his reputation.

A spokesperson for the Beckhams dismissed the false allegations concerning David’s private life, insisting, "There is nothing to discuss."

Although Beckham is not fit to play, he is travelling with the squad to South Africa as a goodwill ambassador.

Sources believe it is no coincidence that England’s highest-profile star should be the target of a dirty tricks campaign.