Now a squabble over the sweaty souvenir has devolved into a nasty fight with threats of legal action

The youngsters from Honolulu used to be close friends and teammates on a soccer team.

Then a shirtless Beckham approached the boys Feb. 20, after the Galaxy's exhibition loss to Japan's Gamba Osaka in the Pan-Pacific Championship, and gave away his white jersey.

Eric and Yoshika Kerr said it was their 10-year-old son who held up 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.

On April 10, the Hos received a letter from the Kerrs' attorney, demanding the return of the Beckham jersey or possible legal action.

The Hos' attorney responded in a letter last week, stating that the Hos are the rightful owners.