A report that former England captain David Beckham had agreed to sign for French Ligue 1 giants Paris-Saint Germain is not true, a spokesperson for the football star told AFP on Tuesday.

"/> A report that former England captain David Beckham had agreed to sign for French Ligue 1 giants Paris-Saint Germain is not true, a spokesperson for the football star told AFP on Tuesday.

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PARIS

Beckham to PSG: reports denied

A report that former England captain David Beckham had agreed to sign for French Ligue 1 giants Paris-Saint Germain is not true, a spokesperson for the football star told AFP on Tuesday.

Published: 21 December 2011 07:43 CET
Beckham to PSG: reports denied
Regular Daddy

The 36-year-old Beckham, whose contract with Los Angeles Galaxy expires at the end of December, has constantly been linked with a move to PSG, who are bankrolled by a Qatari investment company.

Wednesday’s edition of Le Parisien has on its front page a story claiming Beckham was signing an 18-month contract and would be paid €800,000 ($1.05 million) a month.

However, a spokesperson for Beckham — whose main aim next year is to play for the Great Britain team at the London Olympics — categorically denied a deal had been done.

“No agreement with any football club has been reached. Any talk of a deal is premature. David is presently considering his options,” said the spokesperson.

Another source close to Beckham said it was by no means certain he would opt for PSG as he could remain with LA Galaxy with whom he won the MLS crown last season.

The Beckham camp had had to deny similar claims on Saturday when it had been reported he was in Paris and that his former pop star wife Victoria had been looking for a suitable house in Paris for them and their four children.


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PARIS

Fluffy nuisance: Outcry as Paris sends Invalides rabbits into exile

Efforts to relocate wild rabbits that are a common sight on the lawns of the historic Invalides memorial complex have provoked criticism from animal rights groups.

Published: 14 February 2024 13:01 CET
Fluffy nuisance: Outcry as Paris sends Invalides rabbits into exile

Tourists and Parisians have long been accustomed to the sight of wild rabbits frolicking around the lawns of Les Invalides, one of the French capital’s great landmarks.

But efforts are underway to relocate the fluffy animals, accused of damaging the gardens and drains around the giant edifice that houses Napoleon’s tomb, authorities said.

Police said that several dozen bunnies had been captured since late January and relocated to the private estate of Breau in the Seine-et-Marne region outside Paris, a move that has prompted an outcry from animal rights activists.

“Two operations have taken place since 25 January,” the police prefecture told AFP.

“Twenty-four healthy rabbits were captured on each occasion and released after vaccination” in Seine-et-Marne, the prefecture said.

Six more operations are scheduled to take place in the coming weeks.

Around 300 wild rabbits live around Les Invalides, according to estimates.

“The overpopulation on the site is leading to deteriorating living conditions and health risks,” the prefecture said.

Authorities estimate the cost of restoring the site, which has been damaged by the proliferation of underground galleries and the deterioration of gardens, pipes and flora, at €366,000.

Animal rights groups denounced the operation.

The Paris Animaux Zoopolis group said the rabbits were being subjected to “intense stress” or could be killed “under the guise of relocation”.

“A number of rabbits will die during capture and potentially during transport,” said the group, accusing authorities of being “opaque” about their methods.

The animal rights group also noted that Breau was home to the headquarters of the Seine-et-Marne hunting federation.

The police prefecture insisted that the animals would not be hunted.

In 2021, authorities classified the rabbits living in Paris as a nuisance but the order was reversed following an outcry from animal groups who have been pushing for a peaceful cohabitation with the animals.

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