David Beckham is Bringing Soccer to Miami
05 Feb, 2014
Former England captain David Beckham intends to launch a new Major League Soccer franchise based in Miami.
The team would be the first in the Florida city since 2001. Beckham’s option to purchase a franchise is believed to have been part of the financial package he negotiated when he joined LA Galaxy in 2007.
The 38-year-old former Manchester United, Real Madrid, AC Milan and Paris St-Germain midfielder retired as a player last May.
“This is an exciting time for myself, my family, my friends and partners, and it is something we are really looking forward to bringing to Miami,” said Beckham.
MLS commissioner Don Garber, speaking at Wednesday’s announcement alongside Beckham, said the league would work with Miami authorities to build a world-class stadium for the club, which would be funded by Beckham and his partners.
No date has been set for the completion of the venue, or when the franchise might join the league. “We’re planning to bring a team that will be a global team,” added Beckham.
“I wanted to create a team that we can start from scratch. I want to make this my own team. I am going to work hard for this city to make this team very successful. It is an exciting time.”
Beckham’s representatives held talks with the MLS about the possibility of him buying a franchise shortly before his retirement in May.
Basketball superstar LeBron James said in November that he was in discussion with Beckham about investing in the planned Miami club.
The MLS currently consists of 19 teams, but the league announced in 2013 that two further sides would join in 2015. Those will be Orlando City SC and New York City, which is part-owned by Manchester City.
The last MLS team in Miami folded after being in existence for four seasons. It struggled with sparse attendance and had the lowest revenue in the league.
BBC
Image Joe Skipper/Reuters
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