June 16 – Reports are starting to emerge that David Beckham may ditch his plans for a Miami expansion, instead opting to join a consortium led by, as of yet unnamed, Asian investors who are interested in bidding for Chivas USA.
The rumors may spark more co-operation from the Miami politicians who having initially given Beckham verbal support and encouragement to establish an MLS franchise in the city, have become less helpful as two proposed stadium locations and draft plans have both been rejected.
A move of Beckham, his money and his influence to California would place him on more familiar ground in the Greater Los Angeles area, and would make him rivals with former employer LA Galaxy.
Chivas USA and LA Galaxy currently share a stadium, the StubHub Center, which would make it likely that Beckham becomes again involved in new stadium proposals.
The two teams have a fierce rivalry, as witnessed by the racial controversy that overshadowed their recent league match, and could upset the LA Galaxy fans that Beckham took pains to win over.
The MLS purchased Chivas USA from Mexican Jorge Vergara earlier this year and had planned to sell it to new owners in time for the 2015 season. The club had been struggling on and off the pitch as attendances and results were dwindling concurrently.
League officials have been quick to dismiss these rumours by telling MLSsoccer.com that “there is currently no discussion with David Beckham regarding potential ownership of Chivas USA”.
A further complication arises in that Beckham has a clause written into his initial playing contract with LA Galaxy that though he is enabled to become an owner of a club for a cut-price fee at the end of his playing career, it could not happen nearby any other club.
Talk of Beckham returning to the LA soccer scene may be a little premature, but it may serve as a signal to Miami politicians to take a more pro-active approach to Beckham’s group if they really want to add an MLS franchise in the city.
Contact the writer of this story at moc.l1734791975labto1734791975ofdlr1734791975owedi1734791975sni@n1734791975osloh1734791975cin.n1734791975eb1734791975