Soccer superstar David Beckham says continued expansion is the key to the A-League’s success. In Australia to play the sell-out exhibition match against the Newcastle Jets, the LA Galaxy star says the A-League can learn from the example Major League Soccer (MLS) has set.
Starting with 10 teams in 1996, the MLS has almost doubled in the past 14 years, now comprising of 18 teams and scheduled to include 19 for the 2012 season.
The midfielder, who signed with the Galaxy in 2007, says the A-League needs more benefactors like Jets owner, mining and racing magnate Nathan Tinkler, to invest in the game.
“I just think it’s important that the interest is always there,” Beckham told Fox Sports on Saturday.
“Because if you look at the last three or four years in the MLS that’s been done and there’s always been new franchises that have come into the league
“The investors out there have taken that chance of coming into the MLS and taken a risk of opening franchises and bringing franchises into the league.
“That’s the kind of thing that a new league needs.”
On his second trip to Australia after playing against Sydney FC in front of 80,000 people three years ago, Beckham has reaffirmed his belief that Australia can host a World Cup.
With the decision to be made in Zurich in less than a week, the 35-year-old has backed Australia’s bid while still remaining loyal to the country he now calls home, the US.
“Yeah I do (think Australia can host a World Cup),” Beckham said.
“I think any country that’s passionate about the sport and passionate about hosting a big competition such as the World Cup can without doubt host it.
“But the US obviously are going for it as well and I think they’re more than equipped as well to host a big competition like that.
“So it’s going to be great whoever gets it.
“But we’ll just wait and see.”
jimbo
Roar Guru
Yes and much much smaller population, a smaller media with media ownership bias and conflicts of interest. We need to consolidate what we have achieved in such a small period of time. Even lose one team to make it 10 again - would like to see Gold Coast booted out but won't happen, so probably poor old Fury. The midweek FFA Cup will do a lot more to expand the appeal of the A-League than adding teams and get more prodigal sons to return after they were insulted and left out of the brave new football for having ethnic backgrounds. I think we can trust them now to behave themselves and so will Quasimodo Security.
TheMagnificent11
Roar Guru
Agreed. Expansion will take more time here.
pete
Guest
Different market over here. MLS is looking to go to 20 team comp in coming years but teams over there are well financed and obviously population size of USA makes even having more teams possible. Having 12 clubs in the A-League is a good size! if we can get there once Fury and Rovers get sorted I don't reckon we should look at expanding again for 10 years. Maybe replace Wellington with Canberra one day but that's another story...