David Beckham's MLS dream threatened by campaign

A syndicate of businessmen is launching a campaign against David Beckham's attempts to start a soccer club, insisting the project is a threat to the local economy.

The former England international is teaming up with American Idol creator Simon Fuller to launch a Major League Soccer (MLS) team in Miami, Florida, but reports suggest there is growing opposition to the plan.

Several shipping companies and a car dealer have now placed a newspaper advertisement slamming the scheme.

Beckham wants to build a soccer stadium on Miami's island port but opponents insist the project will hit high-earners and drive wages down.

The advert, placed in both the Miami Herald and Spanish-language publication El Nuevo Herald, states, "We cannot jeopardise well-paying jobs, like crane operators, longshore workers, and mechanics, for low-paying stadium jobs, such as concession sales."

However, attorney Neisen Kasdin, an adviser for the Beckham group, tells Reuters, "The plan doesn't interfere with port operations. It will likely generate more revenue for the port in the shorter term than other concepts that have been discussed."

Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Gimenez is also trying to calm fears over the project, saying, "This is one of four sites under consideration, there's nothing concrete, there's no recommendation pending."

Beckham retired from soccer last year (13) after a 20-year career.