Beckham in line for Australian tour

 

By , 19 Aug 2011

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A-League rivals Sydney FC, Melbourne Victory and Perth Glory are all in the running to lure David Beckham’s LA Galaxy to Australia in November.

Negotiations are underway for Beckham’s Major League Soccer side to make yet another appearance in Australia, after their high-profile meeting with Sydney in 2007 and last year’s clash with Newcastle.

While Victory and Sydney are the frontrunners, Perth’s millionaire owner Tony Sage’s deep pockets could swing the battle Glory’s way.

Glory chief executive Paul Kelly said it could cost up to $2 million dollars to bring the team to Perth, meaning ticket prices would likely start at around $50.

The game would be played at the 42,000-capacity Patersons Stadium should the Galaxy decide on Perth.

“The club doesn’t want to lose money,” Kelly said on Thursday.

“We made a little bit of money on Celtic (in their recent trip to Perth) so the track record’s there and we think LA Galaxy should be a good crowd puller for Perth and for football in general.

“Beckham in itself is a worldwide brand and … it was only last week he was on the front of Women’s Day, so I think he’d have that appeal for anyone in general, not just football supporters.

“To put a percentage on (our chances of luring the team here), given we’ve had one or two conversations on it, 60-70 per cent at this stage.

“I’m quietly confident that if I can get everything in the mix we can put a good proposal forward and that may bring LA Galaxy to Perth.”

Kelly said it would be a major coup if Perth was successful in their bid.

“They’re a quality team in the MLS. Beckham’s not the only player (of interest),” Kelly said.

“They’ve just signed Robbie Keane for two million dollars and a three-year contract, so he himself will have some interest.”

© AAP 2012
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