PHILADELPHIA – Despite juggling commitments on either side of the Atlantic this week, it turns out David Beckham won’t have to make any sacrifices.
Although his ambassador role in the upcoming London Olympics threatened to prevent his involvement in Wednesday’s AT&T All-Star Game, the Galaxy announced on Wednesday that the 37-year-old midfielder will indeed be part of the 18-man roster available to Ben Olsen against Chelsea FC at PPL Park.
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Beckham is not a member of Team GB after being passed over for one of three overage spots by manager Stuart Pearce, but is expected to participate in Friday’s opening ceremony. He is currently in London, but will arrive in Philadelphia in time to participate in his third MLS All-Star Game.
“We are pleased that David Beckham will be available to play in Wednesday’s All-Star Game and also be able to serve as an ambassador for the 2012 Olympic Games in London this week,” MLS Commissioner Don Garber said in a statement on Monday. “Since 2004, David has actively supported his country’s bid to host the 2012 Olympic Games, and he played a pivotal role in that successful effort.
“We have known for years that his duty would eventually include the Games themselves, either as a player or an ambassador. We admire David’s dedication to his country’s Olympic endeavor and greatly appreciate his support and commitment to MLS.”
Landon Donovan will miss the Galaxy’s friendly vs. Tottenham Hotspur on Tuesday and their next regular-season match against FC Dallas on July 28. Donovan is suspended after earning his fifth yellow card of the season vs. Chivas USA on Saturday.
Beckham, who played a key role in the campaign to bring the games to his hometown, was originally expected to miss six to eight games while on Olympic duty.
Both Beckham and Donovan will be available for LA’s friendly against Real Madrid at the Home Depot Center on August 2 as part of the Herbalife World Football Challenge.
