• London Olympics 2012

Beckham to take 'two clear roles' at Olympics

What will David Beckham being doing at London 2012? © Getty Images

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London 2012 chairman Sebastian Coe has confirmed that David Beckham will have "two very clear roles" during the Olympic Games.

Beckham, 37, was recently overlooked by Team GB head coach Stuart Pearce for the men's football team - an omission that came as a surprise in many quarters, considering the former Manchester United and Real Madrid midfielder's experience and the contribution he made in bringing the sporting event to British shores.

Beckham threw his weight behind the bid for the Games from the start and Coe has confirmed that he will be rewarded with two distinct responsibilities this summer - although he would not be drawn on speculation that England's most-capped outfield player could light the Olympic torch at the opening ceremony.

"He will be in London with us and he will have two very clear roles within the Games," Coe told Sky Sports News. "He will be more than an ambassador given what he has done, the commitment he has given and the amount of time he has spent with us in London on this project."

Coe dismissed any suggestions that the roles would be primarily about marketing and corporate considerations, with Beckham one of the most recognisable figures in the world.

"He's a north-east London boy, he knows what sports means in those areas, and he's probably one of our longest and truest supporters," Coe said. "We are scoping a role for him at the moment. I actually spoke to him over the course of the weekend. We're working on it, but you'll have to watch this space.

"He was not only alongside us when we won (the right to host the Olympics), he was alongside us when we threw our hats in the ring."

Beckham had been expected to receive one of the three over-age berths in Pearce's 18-man squad for this summer's Olympic tournament - but was instead overlooked in favour of Ryan Giggs, Craig Bellamy and Micah Richards.

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