Football Federation Australia has confirmed that US Major League Soccer club LA Galaxy will play a one-off match against the Australian A-League's Sydney FC at Telstra Stadium (Sydney) on Tuesday, 27 November. “This historic event will be Beckham’s first appearance outside of North America for LA Galaxy, and his first visit to Australia. I am also very pleased to announce that Network Ten will broadcast this major event live nationally in a three hour special presentation. In addition to TEN, we would also like to acknowledge and thank Telstra Stadium and the NSW Government, who have also made important and substantial contributions to make this event possible. FFA is very grateful for their support,” said FFA Chief Executive Officer Ben Buckley.
FFA and partners reportedly "paid millions to secure the deal" which is entirely contingent on Beckham travelling with the Galaxy team to Australia and playing against Sydney FC. Stringent security concerns mean Beckham's precise itinerary is a secret, but the 40-strong Galaxy party will arrive several days before the match and at least one public appearance is scheduled. Galaxy had designed an entire Asian tour but cancelled those plans, meaning the trip to Sydney is now their only venture beyond the US. It is understood profits from the game will be spent by the FFA on the A-League as a whole.
The match will coincide with the Asian Football Confederation Annual Awards night which will be held in Sydney from the 27-29 November 2007. "Football in Australia has risen in status – both in commercial and public appeal – over the last three years and TEN is committed to strengthening support for the game by bringing this high profile event to as many viewers as possible. A first for football in Australia, the showdown between the two teams will be produced in high definition," David White, TEN's general manager - Sport said. Tickets will be on sale online at www.ticketek.com.au.
FFA and partners reportedly "paid millions to secure the deal" which is entirely contingent on Beckham travelling with the Galaxy team to Australia and playing against Sydney FC. Stringent security concerns mean Beckham's precise itinerary is a secret, but the 40-strong Galaxy party will arrive several days before the match and at least one public appearance is scheduled. Galaxy had designed an entire Asian tour but cancelled those plans, meaning the trip to Sydney is now their only venture beyond the US. It is understood profits from the game will be spent by the FFA on the A-League as a whole.
The match will coincide with the Asian Football Confederation Annual Awards night which will be held in Sydney from the 27-29 November 2007. "Football in Australia has risen in status – both in commercial and public appeal – over the last three years and TEN is committed to strengthening support for the game by bringing this high profile event to as many viewers as possible. A first for football in Australia, the showdown between the two teams will be produced in high definition," David White, TEN's general manager - Sport said. Tickets will be on sale online at www.ticketek.com.au.