Galaxy postpone friendly in Australia

With superstar David Beckham bound for Europe, the Los Angeles Galaxy Wednesday postponed their planned friendly against the Queensland Roar in Australia.

The contest was scheduled to be played at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane on December 11.

However, the Galaxy said that the uncertain status of the popular Beckham was the reason the game has been postponed.

“We were not in a position to absolutely guarantee David Beckham's availability for our game against the Queensland Roar on December 11.

“To avoid disappointment for the many fans that were expected to travel to Brisbane from all parts of Australia for this event, it was decided to postpone this game before tickets went on sale to the general public.”

Major League Soccer's Galaxy were to fly into Brisbane on December 7, the day after a match against an Oceania All-Stars invitational team in Auckland. That game is still scheduled to go on, the Galaxy said.

Beckham drew a crowd of 80,000 to Sydney's Olympic stadium late last year when the Galaxy went down 5-3 to Sydney FC, despite a signature goal from the former England captain.

But Beckham is planning a three-month stint in Europe on loan to AC Milan to start in January.

The 33-year-old midfielder says he hopes the spell in Italy will help him stay fit for a return to the US league for the start of next season in March, although it could also help keep him in line for a place in England's 2010 World Cup plans.

“To be honest, it's more about me not having so much time off,” Beckham said at the weekend. “I'm not thinking about the England situation.

“What I'm thinking about is the fact that my body has been programmed for the last 20 years to have three and a half weeks off during the summer during the off season.”