updated 10:59 a.m. ET April 25, 2008

HONOLULU - A dispute has developed between the families of two boys over ownership of a David Beckham jersey.

The youngsters from Honolulu used to be close friends and teammates on a soccer team. But their battle over Beckham has gotten ugly, with a threat of legal action.

It’s unknown what the jersey is worth or would fetch on eBay. But it could have some value since the sweaty souvenir was worn and hand delivered by the Los Angeles Galaxy star himself.

The feud started with a good-faith gesture by Beckham on Feb. 20.

Following the Galaxy’s exhibition loss to Japan’s Gamba Osaka in the Pan-Pacific Championship at Aloha Stadium, a shirtless Beckham approached the boys, reached over a sign with his right hand and handed over his white jersey.

Eric and Yoshika Kerr said it was their 10-year-old son that held a sign all game and eventually lured Beckham over. The jersey, they say, was intended for their son because the soccer star pointed to him.

Wilfred and Yoshika Ho said their 9-year-old son had possession first and that a police officer stepped in during a scrum for the jersey and resolved the issue by handing it to their son.

“My son got the shirt, their kid started trying to pry it away,” said Wilfred Ho, who pointed to a front-page photo in Thursday’s edition of The Honolulu Advertiser as proof.

The Kerrs told the Advertiser they never wanted sole possession of the jersey but wanted to share. They even suggested a joint-custody deal where they would rotate possession, which the Hos apparently agreed to, initially.

The Kerrs responded by hiring an attorney and sending a formal letter stating that if the jersey was not returned a lawsuit would follow.

“(Beckham) pointed out that he wanted our son to have it. How do you explain this to a 10-year-old?” Eric Kerr said. “It’s been really hard on him. Why not let the kids share? He’s such a big star and it’s one heck of an experience for the boys. We just want (the Hos) to keep their end of the bargain.”

Wilfred Ho said “we tried to clarify we were the owner and they proceeded to get upset so we never let them borrow it.”

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