Exclusives

DAVID Beckham will be unveiled as the face of the Qatar World Cup next month — netting a cool £150million. The former England captain, 46, nicknamed Goldenballs, signed a deal worth £15million a year over the next decade to become the country’s ambassador.
Former England captain David Captain will be unveiled as the face of the Qatar World Cup next monthCredit: Getty – Contributor
The football star will net £150million after signing a deal worth £15million a year over the next decade, here with its Qatari chief Nasser al-KhelaifiCredit: AFP
Earlier this month he flew into the capital Doha for a week touring ­stadiums and meeting dignitaries ahead of next year’s tournament.
The country has faced huge controversy over its human rights record, particularly its attitude towards women and gay people.
However David was assured fans would be safe and allowed to display rainbow flags in stadiums – the symbol of the LGBTQ community.
Homosexuality is illegal but application of the law — identical in both Dubai and Abu Dhabi — has become progressively more liberal. David was also informed about a growing female presence in government.
He consulted with wife Victoria, 47, whose pop band The Spice Girls famously sung about “girl power”, before signing.
Yesterday a source said: “David believes in Qatar’s commitment to progress and that the World Cup — the first to be held in the Arab world — can effect significant positive change.

“He strongly believes in the power of football to bridge differences but, crucially, has seen the progress on issues that matter.”
David, who has had links with the Qataris since he played for Paris St-Germain, will also promote tourism and culture.
The source went on: “By signing David, the hope is more westerners will be encouraged to see its beautiful beaches, vast expanses of sand dunes and incredible skyscrapers.”
A spokeswoman for David said: “David has always talked about the power of football as a force for good on many levels.
“As we reach the one year to go point he will join the wider football community that is coming together for the World Cup 2022 and he’s looking forward to what he thinks will be a great tournament.”
Nicknamed Goldenballs, 46-year-old Beckham will become the country’s ambassador, pictured the Doha stadiumCredit: AFP
It comes as the country faced huge controversy over its human rights record
A source said ‘David believes in Qatar’s commitment to progress and that the World Cup — the first to be held in the Arab world — can effect significant positive change’Credit: Getty Images – Getty
Watch incredible new FIFA 22 trailer featuring Beckham, Rooney, Mbappe and Ryan Reynolds to celebrate launch day More

DAVID Beckham will be unveiled as the face of the Qatar World Cup next month — netting £150million. The former England captain, 46, nicknamed Goldenballs, signed a deal worth £15million a year over the next decade to become the country’s ambassador.
Former England captain David Captain will be unveiled as the face of the Qatar World Cup next monthCredit: Getty – Contributor
The football star will net £150million after signing a deal worth £15million a year over the next decade, here with its Qatari chief Nasser al-KhelaifiCredit: AFP
Earlier this month he flew into the capital Doha for a week touring ­stadiums and meeting dignitaries ahead of next year’s tournament.
The country has faced huge controversy over its human rights record, particularly its attitude towards women and gay people.
However David was assured fans would be safe and allowed to display rainbow flags in stadiums – the symbol of the LGBTQ community.
Homosexuality is illegal but application of the law — identical in both Dubai and Abu Dhabi — has become progressively more liberal. David was also informed about a growing female presence in government.
He consulted with wife Victoria, 47, whose pop band The Spice Girls famously sung about “girl power”, before signing.
Yesterday a source said: “David believes in Qatar’s commitment to progress and that the World Cup — the first to be held in the Arab world — can effect significant positive change.

“He strongly believes in the power of football to bridge differences but, crucially, has seen the progress on issues that matter.”
David, who has had links with the Qataris since he played for Paris St-Germain, will also promote tourism and culture.
The source went on: “By signing David, the hope is more westerners will be encouraged to see its beautiful beaches, vast expanses of sand dunes and incredible skyscrapers.”
A spokeswoman for David said: “David has always talked about the power of football as a force for good on many levels.
“As we reach the one year to go point he will join the wider football community that is coming together for the World Cup 2022 and he’s looking forward to what he thinks will be a great tournament.”
Nicknamed Goldenballs, 46-year-old Beckham will become the country’s ambassador, pictured the Doha stadiumCredit: AFP
It comes as the country faced huge controversy over its human rights record
A source said ‘David believes in Qatar’s commitment to progress and that the World Cup — the first to be held in the Arab world — can effect significant positive change’Credit: Getty Images – Getty
Watch incredible new FIFA 22 trailer featuring Beckham, Rooney, Mbappe and Ryan Reynolds to celebrate launch day More

TWO teams set a UK record for the longest penalty shootout — with 44 needed to split them.Every player for non-league sides Old Wulfrunians and Lane Head had to take two each.
Old Wulfs and Lane Head have set the UK record for the longest penalty shootout

Old Wulfs left-back Jack Marsh, 27, a schoolteacher, slotted home the winning penalty after around 35 minutes of drama.
After his side won the shootout 19-18, Jack said: “The overwhelming feeling was one of relief that it was over.
“No one had a clue it was a record at the time and everyone was just glad we could finally go home.”
The West Midlands teams met on Tuesday night in the JW Hunt Cup.
Lane Head, from Bloxwich, were 3-2 up with ten minutes to go when Wolverhampton side Old Wulfs equalised.
The shootout started at 9.30pm in front of 60 fans — and finished at around 10.05pm. Jack’s dad Simon, Old Wulfs’ chairman, said: “After the 22nd penalty I went to get the team’s fish and chips. When I got back it was still going.”

Ref Jamie Howe, 42, said: “When one of the keepers walked up for his penalty one of his team-mates shouted, ‘Just miss, we want to go home’.”
He scored but others missed. The 44 kicks beat the UK record of 34, but was shy of the world’s longest, 48, in Namibia.
Lane Head secretary Martin Davies said: “It was great to be involved in such a memorable match that has gone into the record books. But we are gutted.”
After 35 minutes of drama, Jack Marsh (front row, second from left) scored the winning goal More

DAVID Beckham will be unveiled as the face of the Qatar World Cup next month — netting £150million. The former England captain, 46, nicknamed Goldenballs, signed a deal worth £15million a year over the next decade to become the country’s ambassador.
Former England captain David Captain will be unveiled as the face of the Qatar World Cup next monthCredit: Getty – Contributor
The football star will net £150million after signing a deal worth £15million a year over the next decade, here with its Qatari chief Nasser al-KhelaifiCredit: AFP
Earlier this month he flew into the capital Doha for a week touring ­stadiums and meeting dignitaries ahead of next year’s tournament.
The country has faced huge controversy over its human rights record, particularly its attitude towards women and gay people.
However David was assured fans would be safe and allowed to display rainbow flags in stadiums – the symbol of the LGBTQ community.
Homosexuality is illegal but application of the law — identical in both Dubai and Abu Dhabi — has become progressively more liberal. David was also informed about a growing female presence in government.
He consulted with wife Victoria, 47, whose pop band The Spice Girls famously sung about “girl power”, before signing.
Yesterday a source said: “David believes in Qatar’s commitment to progress and that the World Cup — the first to be held in the Arab world — can effect significant positive change.

“He strongly believes in the power of football to bridge differences but, crucially, has seen the progress on issues that matter.”
David, who has had links with the Qataris since he played for Paris St-Germain, will also promote tourism and culture.
The source went on: “By signing David, the hope is more westerners will be encouraged to see its beautiful beaches, vast expanses of sand dunes and incredible skyscrapers.”
A spokeswoman for David said: “David has always talked about the power of football as a force for good on many levels.
“As we reach the one year to go point he will join the wider football community that is coming together for the World Cup 2022 and he’s looking forward to what he thinks will be a great tournament.”
Nicknamed Goldenballs, 46-year-old Beckham will become the country’s ambassador, pictured the Doha stadiumCredit: AFP
It comes as the country faced huge controversy over its human rights record
A source said ‘David believes in Qatar’s commitment to progress and that the World Cup — the first to be held in the Arab world — can effect significant positive change’Credit: Getty Images – Getty
Watch incredible new FIFA 22 trailer featuring Beckham, Rooney, Mbappe and Ryan Reynolds to celebrate launch day More