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David Beckham has dismissed claims following an apparent leak of foul-mouthed private emails that he used his charity work to get a knighthood.

In emails released on website Football Leaks, the ex-England captain appeared to call the honours committee “unappreciative c****” after failing to be named Sir David.

He was also accused of writing about the prospect of a lesser honour: “Unless it’s a knighthood f*** off”.

According to The Sun, there were also claims he ranted about Katherine Jenkins being given an OBE – allegedly calling it a f***ing joke” - and initially refused to use his own money to fund his charity.

But the star’s representatives have dismissed the allegations, saying the emails had been “hacked and doctored” from a private account.

A spokesman for Mr Beckham said: “This story is based on outdated material taken out of context from hacked and doctored private emails from a third party server and gives a deliberately inaccurate picture.

“David Beckham and Unicef have had a powerful partnership in support of children for over 15 years. The David Beckham 7 Fund specifically has raised millions of pounds and helped millions of vulnerable children around the world. David Beckham has given significant time and energy and has made personal financial donations to the 7 Fund and this commitment will continue long term.

“Before establishing the 7 Fund, David had supported Unicef and a number of other charities over many years, including donating his entire earnings from PSG during his time playing there.

“David and Unicef are rightly proud of what they have and will continue to achieve together and are happy to let the facts speak for themselves.”

Meanwhile, Unicef has said it is "extremely proud" of its work with Mr Beckham.

The charity praised the former England football captain for his efforts in raising awareness and funds for its causes and personally donating "significant" sums.

He was made a Unicef Goodwill Ambassador in 2005 and has appeared in several public campaigns for the charity.

His charitable fund has also carried out projects in Burkina Faso, Swaziland, Papua New Guinea and Cambodia to tackle issues including poor water and sanitation, malnutrition and HIV infection in mothers and children.

Unicef said: "As well as generously giving his time, energy and support to help raise awareness and funds for Unicef's work for children, David has given significant funds personally."

The charity said his charitable fund has raised millions of pounds since it was launched to mark the star's 10th year as an ambassador.

And in June 2016 Beckham visited Swaziland to raise awareness of the drought affecting eastern and southern Africa.

"We are extremely proud of the 7 Fund and all it has achieved for children," the charity said.

"Since it launched in February 2015 it has raised millions of pounds for Unicef programmes and reached millions of people around the world with crucial messages about our work for very vulnerable children."