David Beckham has been dealt a blow in his efforts to sue a U.S. magazine for libel over an article which alleged he'd cheated on his wife with a prostitute - his lawsuit has been dismissed.

In court on Monday, U.S. District Judge Manuel Real ruled Beckham's attorneys had failed to produce evidence In Touch magazine editors published the story with malice.

The publication's lawyer Elizabeth McNamara told the court the editors did "everything possible" to corroborate details from hooker Irma Nici's expose.

The soccer stud, who is married to pop star-turned-designer Victoria Beckham, sued In Touch in September and was seeking $25 million in damages.

Beckham's attorney, Richard B. Kendall, vowed to appeal the ruling, stating his client was visiting his ill father when the alleged trysts occurred.