(Source) A formal announcement is expected later this week on a pre-season tour in Asia for L.A. Galaxy. Full details of the schedule are yet to be finalized but L.A. Galaxy confirms that they are in preparations.

"We are planning to visit Asia," Galaxy spokesman Patrick Donnelly told PA Sport. "We're looking at a few different countries. Korea is on the potential list of countries."

The planned tour will allow the Galaxy to tap into David Beckham's huge popularity in Asia.

Last November, MLS's commissioner Don Garber revealed that L.A. Galaxy had 700% increase in jersey sales this season as the last one. The increase is semi-exclusively attached to Becks' famouse number 23 :).

Many of these sales originated from Asia where MLS matches are now shown live. This big sales increase came despite Beckham's injury problems that only allowed him to make a handful of appearances in his first season with the U.S. club. The tour will also come on the back of the inaugural Pan-Pacific Championship, which is scheduled for late February in Hawaii.

Also related to this story, Reuters is reporting that they will play FC Seoul in Korea.

Becks updates his blog on his visit to Sierra Leone

Here is the update from his blog:

I’ve just returned from visiting Sierra Leone in Africa as part of my role as UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador. I was honoured to be invited and though I saw many problems and issues to tackle, I was heartened by the incredible and selfless work UNICEF and other agencies are doing on the ground to help. I was also humbled by the people of Sierra Leone who despite the problems they face, keep smiling and are hopeful for the future. They made me feel extremely welcome in their country and I will never forget the experience.
One in four children die in Sierra Leone before they reach the age of five and many of the diseases that children suffer can be prevented. I genuinely hope that by visiting the affected areas and spending time with some of the people there, it will draw the world’s attention towards the problems children face not only in Sierra Leone but similar situations across the world. If you want to make a donation to the fantastic work that UNICEF does then please click here

Thank you

David

More support for Becks 100th Cap - Ferguson

(Source) Sir Alex Ferguson last night took his most significant step towards a reconciliation with David Beckham by saying the former Manchester United midfielder should be given his 100th England cap.

Ferguson seems to support Becks 100th Cap but doesn't believe he will get Captaincy. Here are quotes from the article.

"To deny David his 100th cap would not be right and I think Fabio Capello has made up his mind about that,"

and...

"I think he will get his 100th cap. I don't think there is any doubt about that." Talking about the Captaincy however, he was quoted:

"Rio's captained us a few times this season and I think experience is important in that role."

Labels: beckham in asia, david beckham, david beckham sierra leone blog update, l.a. galaxy in asia