By Ben Nicholson
November 12 – David Beckham’s plan to build a stadium in Miami is again faltering following comments made by Tim Lieweke (pictured), who is leading negotiations for Beckham’s group. This time three private parties are holding out on selling their property and holding up Beckham’s MLS franchise dream.
Lieweke described three of six private property owners’ financial demands as “unrealistic.” He said: “They can absolutely blow this deal up, and they probably will blow this deal up.”
In unorthodox negotiating technique, he admitted that they are “willing to overpay.” Lieweke conceded that Beckham’s group has not been the “smartest” during the negotiations but that it does not stop them from not wanting “to be the stupidest guys on the face of the earth.”
The continued delays in Beckham actualising his contractual right to purchase an MLS franchise at discount price is worrying Lieweke, who stated: “If we don’t have a deal by that MLS board meeting [in December] it’s up to the commissioner and the board to decide what happens to this option… I am worried. It’s been a long time since this has been discussed and we’ve been unable to come to them with a viable plan that works.”
Lieweke did reserve that the group has a “backup” option and so will not be held “hostage.” What this plan is, where the stadium would be, how it would work, and everything and anything one might want to know about this backup is unknown.
Lieweke did mention that Mayor Tomas Regalado had suggested building the stadium around the three properties that are holding out. Though this is pure speculation, that may not please said three, and thus could serve to encourage more amiable terms for Beckham’s group.
What we don’t know is whether Beckham’s franchise option will expire any time soon. It is well known, though, that there are many other suitors for a coveted MLS expansion spot.
Contact the writer of this story at moc.l1752857549labto1752857549ofdlr1752857549owedi1752857549sni@n1752857549osloh1752857549cin.n1752857549eb1752857549