Barcelona, June16: Voting began early in what promises to be one of the most internationally followed elections in Spanish history. There are no government posts up for grabs. But for sports fans the election of a new President for Barcelona Football Club is just as important. The winner could determine the fate of David Beckham - the England soccer captain and Manchester United midfielder. Beckham, who's just returned from a holiday with his pop star wife Victoria and two young sons, has been linked with a move to Barcelona , but only if one candidate Joan LaPorta wins the election.
Barcelona is one of the world's largest football clubs but they're not on best form and Beckham has so far refused to talk to them.

Other Presidential candidates, including Lluis Bassat, claim talk of him joining the club is simply a publicity stunt by LaPorta who until now was considered an outsider.

Beckham was on holiday when speculation about a move first emerged.

Manchester United's revelation that the club was prepared to sell him is thought to have come as a shock.

One equally famous soccer star believes Beckham's been badly treated. Most sports fans believe if Beckham does chose to move he's far more likely to end up at Real Madrid or AC Milan.

Whether football fans in Barcelona agree will be revealed when the votes are finally counted.

Bureau Report