David Beckham has finally broken his silence over Joe Lycett 's criticism of his multi-million Qatar World Cup ambassador role.
Criticising the former England captain, and drawing attention to his Qatar deal, Joe threatened to shred £10,000 if David did not pull out of this role, adding that if he complied the money would go to LGBT charities.
Although he posted a video in which he seemed to do just this, he later clarified that the money he shredded was fake, and that the £10,000 had already been donated to charity.
Posting a video explaining this, Joe said: "I never expected to hear from you. It was an empty threat designed to get people talking. In many ways, it was like your deal with Qatar, David – total b******t from the start."
And while he had remained silent, David has finally issued a response as part of Joe's Channel 4 show Got Your Back.
A spokesperson for the former footballer has said: "David has been involved in a number of World Cups and other major international tournaments both as a player and an ambassador and he has always believed that sport has the power to be a force for good in the world.
"Football, the most popular sport globally, has a genuine ability to bring people together and make a real contribution to communities.
"We understand that there are different and strongly held views about engagement in the Middle East but see it as positive that debate about the key issues has been stimulated directly by the first World Cup being held in the region.
"We hope that these conversations will lead to greater understanding and empathy towards all people and that progress will be achieved."
Ahead of this, Joe took to Twitter, writing: "David Beckham’s team have issued my programme with an exclusive statement, which will be broadcast tonight as part of my Got Your Back special at 9pm on Channel 4.
"As far as we are aware this is the only statement he or his team have given to any outlet regarding his involvement in Qatar.
"I have been advised that legally I cannot give my opinion on it, so you’ll have to make up your own minds."
Prior to hearing Beckham, the comedian admitted he was unsatisfied with the silence, telling Emily Maitlis and Jon Sopel on The News Agents podcast this week: "I’ve not heard directly from Beckham. We have had some movement with his people.
"Basically, we’ve had some contact with them but basically, legally at the minute, I’m not sure what I’m allowed to say. I’m not satisfied with where we’ve got to let’s put it that way."
Asked if the footballer's team had suggested making donations to charities, Joe replied: "No, none of that. They’re not offering anything really.
"They’re just talking to us a little bit which they hadn’t done before. I think they’re just trying to get it to go away really. Which it will eventually, and it won’t affect him long-term."
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