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November 24, 2009

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Home » Sports » Soccer

Beckham can own team

Source: Agencies | November 24, 2009, Tuesday | Print Edition

DAVID Beckham has an option to own a future 20th team in Major League Soccer, the North American league's commissioner said on Sunday.

Speaking to reporters during the MLS Cup final which Beckham's Los Angeles Galaxy lost to Real Salt Lake 4-5 on penalties, Don Garber gave details of how the Englishman might become an owner of a team in the league.

"We didn't talk about this until recently but David has the option for our 20th team," Garber said. "That option can't be exercised until after 2011 or after he stops playing so we have got some time to figure that out."

Montreal could become the 19th team in the league following the arrival of Philadelphia next year and Vancouver and Portland in 2011.

Beckham said he would be taking up the option and was already looking at different cities for a team.

"We've got options obviously at this stage I am not going to say what they are but it will happen eventually."

Beckham's current deal with the Galaxy runs out at the end of the 2011 season.

The England veteran took three painkilling injections to dull the pain in his bruised right foot before Sunday match. He set up his team's only goal. He played all 120 minutes, including 30 minutes of overtime. Then he banged in the first of the Galaxy's four penalties in a shootout.

Beckham reiterated that he will return for the fourth season of his five-year MLS contract.

"Of course. I've said I'll be back, and I will," he said.

But for now, he'll take four weeks off to rest his foot, then plans to report on December 28 to begin training for his second consecutive season on loan to AC Milan.
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