Crossword Genius

Bribe a footballer to give to Her Majesty? (10)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

backhander

'bribe' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'a footballer to give to her majesty?' is the wordplay.
'a footballer' becomes 'back' (back is a kind of footballer).
'to give' becomes 'hand' ('hand' can be a synonym of 'give').
'to her majesty?' becomes 'ER' (Elizabeth Regina).
'back'+'hand'+'er'='BACKHANDER'

(Other definitions for backhander that I've seen before include "Bribe (in court?)" , "Bribe -- a dark bench (anag)" , "Swipe" , "sweetener" , "court action" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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