SPONSORS are refusing to meet the FA’s £12million-a-year asking price for backing England — until they know if David Beckham is staying as captain.
The FA hoped to tie up a £50m four-year deal with one sponsor but may have to lower their sights.
Backers are keeping their money in their pockets thanks to Wembley’s opening being delayed until next year, an unattractive fixture list in the Euro 2008 qualifiers and doubts over whether Sven Goran Eriksson’s successor will keep Becks as national skipper.
SunSport revealed a fortnight ago how prospective backers wanted to know if Beckham would keep the armband before parting with their cash.
Interestingly, all the promotional material being used by the FA to try to lure a big sponsor prominently features the Real Madrid star, 30.
England’s new boss will be under enormous pressure to keep Becks in the job because he makes a massive difference to the FA’s coffers
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