England footballing legend David Beckham has reportedly been passed over for a knighthood on the latest New Year's Honours list despite receiving an all-clear over financial issues which had threatened to ruin his chances of the honour. The 46-year-old was one of a number of celebrities caught up in the Ingenious tax avoidance scheme in 2013, but has reportedly been moved to the official recommendations list after outstanding issues with HM Revenue and Customs were resolved.
The Sun reports that a June knighthood remains a possibility for the ex-footballer, who was awarded an OBE back in 2003, but some had wondered whether the resolution would see him fast-tracked to the New Year's list. It means, nearly a decade after the former Manchester United and Real Madrid man played his final minutes of professional footballer, he may have to wait a little longer for the honour.
Beckham's representatives had been in contact with tax authorities after Ingenious won its appeal against its blacklisting by the Inland Revenue, according to The Sun. A number of celebrities and members of parliament had their names associated with the Ingenious case, though there is no suggestion Beckham had any knowledge of illegal activity at the time.
Beckham's 115 England appearances make him the third highest-capped player for the men's side, behind Wayne Rooney and Peter Shilton. He made more than 700 senior club appearances over the course of his playing career, more than half of them for Manchester United, where he won the 1999 Champions League final and several Premier League titles.
More recently, he has moved into the boardroom, serving as co-owner and president of Major League Soccer club Inter Miami and co-owner of English side Salford City.
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