Paolo Maldini Beats David Beckham to Miami Franchise

The former Italy defender will be the joint owner of the club, with the side set to start life in the second tier of the North American Soccer LeaguePaolo Maldini has beaten David Beckham to the launching of a professional football club in Miami after unveiling the newly-founded Miami FC.The North American Soccer League (NASL) will expand in 2016 as a result, with the club co-owned by Maldini and co-owner and president Riccardo Silva.On Wednesday it was announced Miami will begin playing in the second-tier NASL next year and also compete in the US Open Cup, while playing their home games at one of the city's "existing world-class stadiums"."I'm proud and excited to be part of this venture," former Italy defender Maldini said. "I strongly believe in the growth of soccer in the USA and this is the perfect project to develop a top-class soccer team in one of the most important cities in the world."We are glad not only to bring a professional soccer team to Miami, but also to support all of its communities through our social responsibility commitment. We believe that the fast-growing NASL will be the perfect platform to develop a successful team and a valuable business."Miami has been my second home for 15 years, so I look forward to spending more and more time here as co-owner of Miami FC, giving my enthusiastic contribution for its success."Silva added: "Soccer is the fastest growing professional sport in the USA, and Miami is a dynamic and multi-cultural city that is passionate for sports and has been longing for a marquee soccer franchise."Soccer and international culture are a perfect combination - especially for the youth and future generations to come - and it is highly valuable having Paolo Maldini, who will bring his soccer knowledge and shares our vision and our passion."NASL commissioner Bill Peterson believes Maldini's involvement is testament to the growing popularity of the game in the US."This exciting announcement is another testament to the strength of our rapidly growing organization, our owner-friendly structure, and the growing popularity of NASL soccer worldwide," he said in a statement."Riccardo Silva is a world leader in soccer media, and he has decided, along with his partners, that Miami and the NASL are part of an important future for the game globally."Miami finally has an ownership group with a global vision and the experience to build a proper club that all of Miami will be proud to support. This group is very focused on fielding a competitive team and being a partner to the entire Miami community."New York Cosmos chairman Seamus O'Brien added: "Together with Paolo Maldini, I have no doubt Miami FC will continue to enhance the already respected technical and performance standards of each team, and will also help build the global recognition of the league."Former England international David Beckham has long been looking to launch an MLS franchise in Miami, but finding a location for a football-specific stadium has proved a stumbling block.