David Beckham suffers setback over Miami stadium

Former England captain David Beckham’s bid for a Major League Soccer team in Miami suffered a major setback on Tuesday after his plans for a downtown waterfront stadium were rejected.

Representatives of Miami Beckham United met with City of Miami Mayor Tomas Regalado to discuss the proposals for bringing a Major League Soccer club to the Florida city.

A joint statement from the city and Miami Beckham United read:

"Miami Beckham United and City of Miami Mayor Tomas Regalado met today to discuss a path forward for bringing a Major League Soccer club to Miami. Mayor Regalado and the City Manager expressed their belief that the FEC (Florida East Coast) slip is an inappropriate location for a soccer stadium.

"Miami Beckham United presented a financial offer that included a privately funded stadium, fair payments for the use of the land, and zero City or County dollars. The Mayor and City Manager considered the proposal to be generous, though no negotiations took place.

"Mayor Regalado and the City Manager expressed their strong desire to bring professional soccer to Miami and their deep respect for David Beckham and his partners.

"Miami Beckham United will spend the coming months weighing alternatives.”

Beckham’s real estate adviser John Alschuler added: “Our team’s going to pause. They’re going to consider all alternatives and look forward to constructive engagement.”