Designated Player Rule opens way for Beckham

The MLS' "designated player" rule opens the possibility of David Beckham heading to the league.

The MLS board of governors approved the rule change, which will allow clubs to sign big-name players without violating the salary cap.

The cap is GBP 1 million, and covers 18 players. MLS will now pay up to GBP 209,000 towards the salary of any designated player, with any overages going on the club's tab.

Each club will receive one designated player slot, which can be traded, although no club is allowed to have more than two such players.

The introduction frees room for players such as Beckham, who is in the final year of his contract at Spanish Real Madrid.

"The designated player rule provides clubs an exciting mechanism to add tremendous value to their rosters," MLS commissioner Don Garber said. "Our fans have stated they would like to see more world-class stars in MLS, and the designated player rule allows us to sign more elite talent from throughout the world."

Reports have linked Beckham with the Los Angeles Galaxy and New York Red Bulls, with Galaxy president Alexi Lalas saying last week that they would be interested.

Beckham has said in the past that he would like to finish his career in the United States, and he already has a football academy at the Galaxy's home stadium.

Source: euFootball.BIZ © Copyright 2006 - All rights reserved.