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Sources: MLSE's Tim Leiweke The Newest Investor In David Beckham's MLS Group

Outgoing MLSE President & CEO Tim Leiweke is "the newcomer" to David Beckham's investment group looking to bring an MLS club to Miami, according to sources cited by Michelle Kaufman of the MIAMI HERALD. Leiweke was "instrumental in bringing Beckham to play for the Galaxy, and remains close to the British soccer icon." Miami-based Schwartz Media Strategies President Tadd Schwartz, whose company speaks on behalf of Miami Beckham United, "wouldn’t confirm Leiweke’s involvement." But sources said that Leiweke "has been meeting with Miami-Dade politicians over the past several weeks to accelerate the deal." Beckham’s group is "negotiating with the City of Miami and Miami-Dade County to build a stadium adjacent to Marlins Park." A source said that they have "made significant progress since Leiweke joined the talks, and hope to have an agreement reached before Christmas" (MIAMI HERALD, 10/21). MLSE said that Leiweke has "not accepted a new job but acknowledges it’s a possibility." An MLSE spokesperson said, “It’s one of the options he’s exploring, but not until his work in Toronto is done." In Toronto, Morgan Campbell notes while Leiweke "tests the job market the spokesperson emphasized that Leiweke remains the organization’s interim CEO and has no timetable for a final departure." The spokesperson said that Leiweke "remains deeply engaged in his current job" with MLSE. But Campbell notes his public profile "has diminished in recent months" (TORONTO STAR, 10/21). 

ROCK THE VOTE: City of Miami officials said that a vote on a proposed stadium for Beckham's potential MLS club "could go before the Miami city commission as early as December, with a referendum going before Miami voters in March." ESPN FC's Jeff Carlisle noted Beckham's group is "in negotiations with private entities to acquire some additional parcels needed for the stadium." Miami commissioner Frank Carollo said, "It's just making sure that it's a good deal all around for the city of Miami, for the Beckham group, and the residents of the city." Carlisle noted if all "goes well before the commission, then a referendum will be put on the ballot in March." The exact date "will likely be March 15, the same date as the Florida presidential primary." Carollo said that this date "will help increase turnout." One "significant concern that remains is the amount of power" that the Marlins have over any proposed stadium. A report indicated that the terms of the Marlins' lease gives them "veto power over the dates in which the soccer stadium could be used, as well as the naming rights" (ESPNFC.com, 10/20).

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