Catalans' American dream ends

MIAMI: Spanish giants Barcelona will not be gaining a Major League Soccer franchise after the plug was pulled on a plan to create a new team in Miami.

MLS, Barcelona and Miami-based Bolivian businessman Marcelo Claure made a joint announcement that cited "adverse market conditions" as the reason behind the decision.

Barcelona said in a statement they would continue with marketing and promotional activities in the United States. But league commissioner Don Garber told the Miami Herald that despite huge interest in soccer in Miami, he was not sure it was the right place for a new MLS team.