I have mentioned in previous articles my concern regarding the Government apparently placing itself above the law (the Lloyds TSB/HBOS merger, the pushing through of the approval for Runway 3 etc), now it appears that one of our greatest icons is also considered to be above the law.

I am talking about none other than David Beckham. He has, admittedly, a huge decision to make, not only for himself but for his wife and children, that decision being whether or not to stay at AC Milan. The problem is that he doesn’t have a lot of time because the transfer window is about to close.

‘Is all lost?’ I hear you cry! Not at all! The Italian FA has decided that it is OK if his answer comes after the transfer window closes! Yet again we are shown that financial gain is far more important than the rules – and this in a country whose FA swore to root out corruption and wrongdoing in the beautiful game!

Having said that, I imagine that the man in the street who, like me, would dearly love to see Becks stay in football’s top flight, would find the Italian FA’s blatant disregard for the rules a little more palatable than our own Government’s!