Beckham Gives Soccer Earnings to Charity To Avoid French Tax

He also kept his residency out of the country, so his merchandising rights are untouchable

David Beckham is at the centre of a political furore in France because of his minimum wage deal at new club Paris St Germain which will see him pay virtually no tax.

The 37-year-old revealed his entire salary - believed to be around £170,000 a week - will go to a children's charity in Paris.

But the arrangement means he avoids the controversial 75 per cent tax which President Francois Hollande's government is currently bringing in.

Under French law he must take home the footballer's union minimum wage so the club can pay national insurance and other charges to the government - but this works out at less than £2,000 a week.

The deal means Beckham avoids paying not only the top rate on income tax, but also a three per cent surtax on annual income above £450,000.

With Victoria Beckham and the children remaining in London, Beckham can also claim his main residence is there.