Global icon David Beckham will not be taking up a formal role with Los Angeles’ bid to host the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games at this time, insidethegames has been told, despite recent reports suggesting he has.
Beckham, who played for LA Galaxy from 2007 to 2012, was said to have been appointed as an advisor to Los Angeles’ bid because of his experience in assisting London’s successful campaign for the 2012 Olympic Games.
Jeff Millman, LA 2024’s chief communications officer, has confirmed that this is not the case, however.
He did admit, though, they had contacted the former England football captain for his advice.
“David will not be taking a formal role with LA 2024 at this time, but he is a true Angeleno and given his experience with London 2012’s successful bid, his legendary career and the goodwill he has earned across world sport, any input he is able to give would be very valuable to our bid to host the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games,” he told insidethegames.
Beckham, 40, was born in the Leytonstone area of East London and was praised by London 2012 bid chairman Sebastian Coe for his role as an ambassador in helping bring the Olympic Games to his home city.
London were awarded the 2012 Olympics and Paralympics by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) at its Session in Singapore in 2005.
The former Manchester United and Real Madrid midfielder carried the Olympic flame by speedboat to the Opening Ceremony in the Olympic Stadium.
“At every stage – from the bid phase and planning to the Torch Relay and that unforgettable summer of sport – David was a constant source of support and inspiration,” said Coe, now President of the International Association of Athletics Federations.
“He is immensely proud of his London roots and readily understood the role the Games could play in transforming young people’s lives.
“His impact across football and all of sport will be felt for generations.”
As well as supporting the successful London 2012 campaign, Beckham also served as a vice-president of England’s bid to host the 2018 FIFA World Cup which saw the country receive just two out of 22 votes from the FIFA Executive Committee in the first round of voting.
The bid processes for both the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, awarded to Russia and Qatar respectively, are being investigated as part of a widespread probe into corruption within world football’s governing body.
- By Daniel Etchells
- Republished with permission insidethegames.biz