FRISCO, Texas -- Joan Laporta, the president of FC Barcelona, said on Sunday his club is interested in being involved in Major League Soccer. Speaking to media members at halftime of MLS Cup 2005, Laporta said nothing is yet set, but that the Spanish giant is investigating the possibility.
"Our interest is in the future, starting an FC Barcelona team or obtaining a franchise in MLS," Laporta said. "We are at the beginning of the process and phase of starting."
Laporta said no specifics have been determined whatsoever.
"I don't know time, date, where. We are only thinking about the possibility. I love the States. We are not thinking about a specific city but Barca in New York, we are very close," Laporta said. "There are good connections and there are a lot of Catalan people in New York. Maybe it'd be great to share in the near or middle future. But (there's) no specific timeline. We have to talk to MLS first and reach an agreement. But New York, Los Angeles, Dallas -- you never know."
Laporta indicated the club's interest in the development something with the USA, citing the growth of soccer in the country and the "optimization of resources, of television rights and other important factors for FC Barcelona in global soccer."
"It could be very interesting to have a presence here. We will be studying more in depth the system and I hope to be infused with the way of working here. There is no hurry," Laporta said. "But I reiterate that we are very pleased with MLS for having invited us to this final and to have followed the conversations that we started a year ago."
Laporta was also impressed with Pizza Hut Park, the site of the 2005 final.
"The stadium, I appreciate it because it's a commercial stadium, and you can exploit the facilities," Laporta said. "This is a model concept for football. In my opinion, congratulations, because it is very well organized."
Laporta also said he was pleased with the quality of play he saw in the final between Los Angeles and New England.
"The individual quality of players is very good. Maybe it is a little different in tactics and the organization on the field. But I am enjoying the game," Laporta said. "... (It's a) very interesting system and organization of football. There are important markets in the United States. We are looking into the way soccer is organized here because we can maybe share a franchise."
This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
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