David Beckham Scores Big Win for Miami Soccer

DORAL, FL — After the political equivalent of a three-year soccer match, the Miami-Dade Board of Commissioners on Tuesday approved the sale of 2.8 acres of county-owned land to a group headed by British soccer legend David Beckham. The 9-4 decision clears a major hurdle blocking the erection of a soccer stadium in the Magic City and its entry into Major League Soccer. The deal must still be approved by the city of Miami.

"The process was lengthy, difficult, but necessary in order to ensure that Miami-Dade County taxpayers were properly compensated," acknowledged Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Gimenez in a statement following the vote. "The funds from the $9,015,000.00 purchase will be for the Water and Sewer Department (WASD), which currently owns the parcel of land." (Sign up for our free Daily Newsletters and Breaking News Alerts for the Miami Patch.)

Beckham's group — Miami Properties, LLC — agreed to buy the land at its appraised value but that deal still requires approval from the city of Miami before the stadium can be built.

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"I firmly believe that the sale of this property, as well as the subsequent soccer stadium, will leave a lasting positive impact on the community," Gimenez added.

"I can also assure the residents of Miami-Dade County — particularly residents of Overtown and Spring Garden — that this is unlike any previous agreement. The purchasing company will use private funds to build the proposed stadium and will guarantee at least 50 permanent jobs for our community."

Miami-Dade County Commission Chair Esteban Bovo told reporters that the county had learned from past experience. "I think this board and this administration did not want to repeat the same mindset," he said.

County approval follows five public meetings with residents of Overtown and Spring Garden, who will be most affected by the proposed stadium.

"Miami already has championship-winning teams, such as the Miami Heat, Miami Dolphins, and Miami Marlins," Gimenez said. "We look forward to one day soon adding our future MLS franchise to the list."

David Beckham of Great Britain and Ireland gestures during the David Beckham Match for Children in aid of UNICEF between Great Britain & Ireland and Rest of the World at Old Trafford on November 14, 2015 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

David Beckham of Great Britain and Ireland gestures during the David Beckham Match for Children in aid of UNICEF between Great Britain & Ireland and Rest of the World at Old Trafford on November 14, 2015 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

Photo credit: Alex Livesey / Staff/ Getty Images News