Newcastle Jets, Los Angeles Galaxy in talks over exhibition match
If plans push through, English football star David Beckham may play an exhibition match in Australia soon. A-League club Newcastle Jets confirmed that they are in talks with the Los Angeles Galaxy regarding
the matter.
"The Newcastle Jets can confirm that the club is in negotiation with LA Galaxy and the Football Federation of Australia to stage a match at Energy Australia Stadium," said the Jets in an official statement.
Jets executive chairman Ken Edwards hinted that Beckham and the Galaxy could head down under as early as next month when the Major League Soccer season ends.
"We're talking two dates at the moment, there is a date available in 2010 and if we're not successful with that there is another date in 2011 we're negotiating," Edwards said in an interview with television
network ABC.
The FFA backed the Jets in their effort to bring back the former England captain to Australia.
"We are aware that the Newcastle Jets are in negotiations with LA Galaxy and we are fully supportive of their intention to bring them out for an exhibition game," an FFA spokesman said.
Beckham, one of the most popular footballers in the world, last visited Australia in 2007. More than 80,000 fans greeted him at the Olympic Stadium in Sydney. Beckham also visited New Zealand during his
trip.
The former Manchester United and Real Madrid midfielder was supposed to return to Australia in 2008 but the trip was cancelled after the Galaxy loaned him to AC Milan.
Should his Newcastle trip push through, Beckham will be the biggest football star to visit the coal-mining town since Bobby Charlton and George Best saw action for Manchester United in an exhibition match
against the Northern NSW in 1967.
Beckham's visit is expected to boost the cash-strapped Jets franchise, which was recently bailed out by youthful coal tycoon Nathan Tinkler.
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