London, Apr 21 : The thought of football star David Beckham being chosen as the flagbearer for the opening ceremony of London Olympics 2012 has sparked fury amongst Olympic traditionalists. They argued that a Games veteran or gold medalists like cyclist Sir Chris Hoy, who bagged three gold medals at Beijing in 2008, be given the honor, and not the ex-Manchester United star, because he has never played at an Olympics, the Daily Star reports.

Games officials want to cash in on Becks' global appeal at the 2012 opening ceremony, which will be watched live by one billion people, and believe that world-famous former England captain, would be perfect for the job carrying the official flag. However, the final choice for flagbearer will be voted on by 550 Team Great Britain (GB) athletes. If chosen, Beckham will be the flag bearer for the first home Games since 1948.

According to the report, bookies revealed that Becks is currently third favourite at 8-1 while Sir Chris, 36, 7-4 is the top favourite. But despite the `Olympic pedigrees', no athlete had the mass appeal of Beckham. However, Beckham, 36, would first have to be slotted by manager, Stuart Pearce, as one of three players over the age of 23 in the Team GB football squad before he is handed over the baton of the London Games flag.

But ex-England captain Gary Lineker, has claimed that Becks should not play. "If you are going to pick the best three over-age players then you would say no to Beckham," he said. (ANI)