Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/641079
21 Sport maltatoday, WEDNESDAY, 17 FEBRUARY 2016 FOOTBALL David Beckham targets PSG link PARIS St Germain are one of a number of interested parties in negotiations to partner David Beckham's Miami Major League Soccer franchise, according to reports. Miami Beckham United (MBU), the ownership vehi- cle behind the proposed MLS expansion franchise, has been seeking financial backing to help build a stadium and team. It is understood any link-up with Ligue 1 champions PSG, owned by Qatar Sports Invest- ment, is about more than just a funding relationship. Manchester City have a part- nership with teams in New York, Melbourne and Yokohama, and that format could be replicated - at least in part - in Miami. Former Manchester United, Real Madrid and Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder Beckham finished his playing career with PSG in 2012-13. The ex-England captain's pro- file and the potential of the Mi- ami franchise has also attracted interest from wealthy individu- als across the globe. In a statement, MBU said: "As Miami Beckham United lays the groundwork for launch- ing a world-class soccer club in Miami, our team has attracted interest from a number of po- tential partners. "David Beckham, Simon Full- er and Marcelo Claure are eval- uating these possibilities, with the goal of bringing additional resources and international expertise that draws players, staff and fans from around the world. "At the same time, we are per- forming due diligence on our stadium site as we move toward finalising the acquisition of two privately held properties and a third county-owned parcel over the coming weeks." Beckham (centre) at the launch of Miami's MLS franchise Andriy Shevchenko Shevchenko joins Ukraine staff FORMER Chelsea and Milan strik- er Andriy Shevchenko has joined Ukraine's coaching staff ahead of Euro 2016. The 2004 Ballon d'Or winner, who also played for Dynamo Kiev and AC Milan, has succeeded Ol- exandr Zavarov as assistant to head coach Mykhaylo Fomenko. Shevchenko scored 48 goals in 111 international appearances, representing his country at the 2006 World Cup in Germany and at Euro 2012, co-hosted by Ukraine and Poland. The 39-year-old, who won the Champions League with Milan and FA Cup with Chelsea, turned down a chance to become Ukraine's head coach in 2012. He claimed he did not have the required qualifications, but in March 2015 completed a two-year programme for a UEFA pro li- cence and believes the experience of working under some of the top coaches in Europe will stand him in good stead in his new role. "After almost four years on vaca- tion, I am coming back to big foot- ball, as a coach," Shevchenko said. "I worked with great coaches like Valery Lobanovskyi, Carlo Ance- lotti, Jose Mourinho and got a huge experience. "Coaching courses helped me to shape up my ideas and determine my own vision of football. Hopeful- ly this will help me in the future." The Football Federation of Ukraine decided not to extend former assistant Zavarov's con- tract, and Fomenko announced the new appointment on Tuesday. "We made our choice in favour of Shevchenko, who will be working with the Ukraine's coaching staff," Fomenko said. Ukraine have been drawn in Group C at Euro 2016 along with Germany, Poland and Northern Ireland.