Beckham Red Bulls link ruled out

MLS commissioner Don Garber has revealed the clause allowing David Beckham to buy into a franchise does not extend to New York Red Bulls.

Beckham will leave the United States after playing for LA Galaxy in the MLS Cup this weekend, and has hinted he will return to the league once his playing days come to an end.

“Anything’s a possibility other than his (Beckham’s) right to exercise that option in New York,” Garber told reporters.

“Major League Soccer has been looking at the possibility of expanding in New York since the league was founded in ’96.

“There was a concept of having two teams in the league way back then. We knew when we were speaking with David and (Beckham’s agent) Simon Fuller that eventually we would have an opportunity in New York regardless of the role that David played in helping grow the league.”

Garger also hailed Beckham’s impact on football in the United States, but insisted that the MLS has now gained enough credibility to thrive without the former England captain playing there.

He added: “We needed David Beckham in 2007 to help drive our credibility, to help grow our popularity and to show the world really that the United States … was ready to support a division one league.

“We don’t need anything today to get us to the next level. I have no regrets whatsoever in any aspect of this deal.”