David Beckham's MLS franchise hits rough waters as coalition of business and political leaders named the Miami Seaport Alliance describe stadium plans 'nutty'

Beckham announced plans to form his own Major League Soccer franchise in Miami and prefers to build a new stadium in the city's port

Two months have passed since David Beckham announced his plans to start a Major League Soccer franchise in Miami. The plan, and Beckham, have been almost universally accepted by every sector of the city.

What his international fame has not been able to attract: Agreement on where to put the stadium.

"Until a few weeks ago, it was very smooth," Beckham said. "And nothing that wants to be — in my eyes, has to be — successful, was ever going to be that smooth."

Beckham and his team have set their sights on the Port of Miami, 520 acres (210 hectares) known as the "Cruise Ship Capital of the World" and the "Cargo Gateway to the Americas." Nearly every portion of the port has been developed, with one notable exception: The southwest corner with a spectacular Miami skyline view.

The plan's chief opponent is the Miami Seaport Alliance, a coalition of business and political leaders including Royal Caribbean Cruises, one of the world's largest cruise operators. Its offices are next to the proposed site.

In December 2012 David Beckham helped to take LA Galaxy to victory in the Major League Soccer Cup (Getty Images)

He said fewer than 100 jobs would be created directly by the franchise, but thousands more would result indirectly at restaurants and nearby businesses. Alschuler also denied traffic congestion would worsen, noting fans wouldn't arrive until around 6:30 p.m., hours after the cruise ships have sailed.

"It's sheer, deliberate, willful misinformation," Alschuler said of the alliance's claims.

South Florida's last football team, the Miami Fusion, played 30 miles (50 kilometers) north of the port and lasted only three years until 2001 because of low attendance.

That history, perhaps, led Beckham and associates to two conclusions: The stadium must be downtown, and the team must win.

The decision ultimately rests with the mayor and county commission. Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Gimenez has asked Beckham to consider an alternative site near the NBA Heat's arena. But he said he could potentially support a Port of Miami stadium.

Beckham, for his part, came back to Miami on Tuesday, holding private meetings with commissioners and weighing Gimenez's suggested site.

"We want to be a positive for people," Beckham said. "This part of America has not had a soccer team for quite a few years, and they deserve one."

AP