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Montreal Ends MLS Expansion Bid
The number is now down to six cities hoping to become one of the two new MLS franchises, following Montreal's withdrawal from the running.
Nov 21, 2008 10:27:28 PM
It has been confirmed the city of Montreal has officially rescinded their bid to be one of the two expansion teams to join the MLS in 2011.
Speaking to a selection of journalists in Los Angeles, MLS Commissioner Don Garber further explained why Montreal had dropped out of the seven-city race for the two franchises to be awarded in the new year.
“Montreal had to evaluate what kind of private capital they needed to renovate their stadium, to fund the expansion fee, what level of public support would exist for their stadium,” said Garber of what they needed to do. “I’m not sure they were able to come to terms in this economic environment, given the amount of private capital that would be associated with that. I don’t think it’s gone forever, it’s just gone for now.”
Montreal, along with St. Louis, Miami, Portland, Ottawa, Atlanta and Vancouver all submitted bids last month, with posting fees upwards of $40 million to get a chance at being a part of this league’s ever growing ranks.
A statement from the group behind the failed Montreal bid has not been made yet, but it is conceivable that it could come soon, further explaining the reasons behind the retraction of their bid.
-- Goal.com
Speaking to a selection of journalists in Los Angeles, MLS Commissioner Don Garber further explained why Montreal had dropped out of the seven-city race for the two franchises to be awarded in the new year.
“Montreal had to evaluate what kind of private capital they needed to renovate their stadium, to fund the expansion fee, what level of public support would exist for their stadium,” said Garber of what they needed to do. “I’m not sure they were able to come to terms in this economic environment, given the amount of private capital that would be associated with that. I don’t think it’s gone forever, it’s just gone for now.”
Montreal, along with St. Louis, Miami, Portland, Ottawa, Atlanta and Vancouver all submitted bids last month, with posting fees upwards of $40 million to get a chance at being a part of this league’s ever growing ranks.
A statement from the group behind the failed Montreal bid has not been made yet, but it is conceivable that it could come soon, further explaining the reasons behind the retraction of their bid.
-- Goal.com
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