Major League Soccer

Galaxy Continue To Play Hard Ball With Beckham

The LA Galaxy have understandably been against David Beckham joining Spurs on loan this month. They are ok with Beckham training with Spurs, but they want nothing to do with Beckham pulling on a Spurs shirt, even in a behind closed doors friendly.

The Galaxy made their position crystal clear to Spurs yesterday when they refused to allow Beckham to take part in a practice match against squad players from Queens Park Rangers.

The match, which was played on a training field with no fans present, was organized by the two clubs in order to give players not currently seeing first-team action some playing time.

However, according to the Guardian newspaper, the Galaxy told Tottenham that Beckham did not have permission to take the field due to an ongoing insurance dispute. The two clubs have not been able to agree on who should pay the insurance premium that protects the Galaxy against financial loss if he is injured.

The injury concerns that the Galaxy have for the 35-year-old Beckham are valid. Beckham has only played in 57 regular-season games since joining the Galaxy in the summer of 2007 and the Galaxy ownership is desperate for an MLS Cup title before Becks rides off into the sunset, possible at the end if this season.

On the flip side, you have to wonder why the Galaxy are doing this. By taking this hard line stance against Beckham they are assured of a disgruntled Beckham heading to Galaxy training camp next month.