Peterborough United are facing problems trademarking their 68-year-old nickname "The Posh" because of a challenge from Victoria Beckham.

Mrs Beckham claimed her nickname has become globally renowned and is a well-known trademark, in a statement from her publicity company.

The UK Trademarks Registry have confirmed that she registered her opposition to the application in September of this year.

Mrs Beckham was referred to as "Posh Spice" during her time with the Spice Girls and latterly just "Posh".

Global Renown

Mrs Beckham's statement continued; "The name Posh is inexorably associated with Victoria Beckham in the public's mind.

"The concern from her team is that they (the public) would think she had in some way endorsed products she had no knowledge of."

Peterborough United bosses have said that there could be serious financial repercussions for the club if they were not allowed to use the name on merchandising.

The name is part of the club's history and tradition

Chief Executive Geoff Davey

Peterborough United Chief Executive Geoff Davey said: "The name is part of the club's history and tradition.

"I was absolutely stunned when I got the letter. One reason was that our claim to the use of the name 'Posh' should be challenged.

"The second reason was that someone as big as Victoria Beckham would want to raise this particular challenge."

He added: "I think there would be financial implications in the long term because clearly we use the words on our range of leisurewear and on souvenirs and posters."

Posh Players

Peterborough chairman Peter Boizot filed the application to trademark the club nicknames "Posh" and "The Posh" in August 1998.

According to the Peterborough United official website, the nickname has been with the club since its inception in 1934.

But its origins are a decade earlier, when a manager from a club which used Peterborough's London Road ground proclaimed he was looking for "Posh players for a posh team."

Mr Davey added he hoped that "common sense will prevail in the coming weeks", but admitted there was a possibility of litigation.