Sunday Mirror (Northern Ireland)
GOLDENBALLS-UP AS LAWSUIT HITS BECKHAM US BID
DAVID BECKHAM’S American dream of owning a football club is hanging by a thread.
Since announcing in 2014 that he would take the MLS offer of a heavily discounted franchise – part of his deal when he signed for LA Galaxy – getting Miami Beckham United off the ground has been a nightmare.
The latest stumbling block involved a lawsuit over the three acres of land Beckham bought for a 25,000-capacity stadium. A proposed venue in the Overtown area of the city has been approved at the fourth time of asking.
But Bruce Matheson, who owns property near the planned stadium, sued Miami-Dade County.
The multi-millionaire activist claimed that Miami-Dade should have given him a chance to buy the land, which was sold to Becks for £6.5million in a no-bid deal. The judge threw out Matheson’s claim in October, but he appealed and the hearing is expected in June.
Only the determination of former England skipper Becks and the patience of the MLS and its commissioner Don Garber mean that Miami Beckham United remains more than just a dream.
Beckham insists that the easy part of being a US club owner will be bringing in a top coach and well-known players. He said: “Great players want to come here. I’ve had top players calling me. Miami is a vibrant city with a lot of passion.”
But when it will be up and running is anyone’s guess – and Beckham’s wriggle room is tighter.
The extra places, as the MLS looks to expand to its optimum 28 clubs, are running out with Los Angeles FC and Nashville the latest to leapfrog Beckham’s Miami project.
Sports executive Tim Leiweke, who has been with Beckham all the way, said any more delays and Miami Beckham United could be no more.
He admitted: “I hope it gets done, but it’s not done. I have my fears as to whether it gets done.”
Garber is anxious for the club to be given the green light, having pushed the deadlines further back to give Becks and his backers, who include ex-Spice Girls manager Simon Fuller, every chance to fulfil their ambitions which could eventually cost £225m.
Garber said: “A guy like David would be a fantastic owner. He’s a bright guy, committed to our country, our league and Miami. If we can get it closed, then it will be a great success.”
Even without more hiccups a new stadium will not be ready until
2021 – so Beckham must secure a temporary home with 2020 now his more likely first MLS season.