T.O. in for soccer treat?
By GEORGE GROSS -- Toronto Sun
Major international soccer matches for Toronto this year are in the works by American promoters.
If arrangements of Champions World, a U.S. promotion group, materialize as planned, Toronto soccer fans will get to see Sir David Beckham and his Real Madrid team, as well as his previous team -- Manchester United -- and multiple Scottish champions Glasgow Celtic.
The Celtic game is planned for Toronto's SkyDome in July, but the promoters have yet to find an opponent. There's also talk about replacing SkyDome's ersatz turf with natural grass, something that is essential for games involving Real Madrid -- the Spanish Royals -- and Man. U., the team once known as the Busby Babes, named after their late legendary coach Sir Matt Busby.
"We are still negotiating for the games in Toronto," said Reg Schneider of Champions World. "Nothing has been finalized, but it will be in time."
Dave Applegate, spokesman for USA Soccer, said he had heard rumours about these teams coming to North America, but he couldn't confirm anything.
"You would have to talk to the promoters," said Applegate. "They will be able to tell you more."
For the uninitiated, Toronto was and still is a hotbed for top class soccer matches. Steve Stavro, former chairman of Maple Leafs Sports and Entertainment Inc., is a dedicated soccer fan and promoter.
Steve had Varsity Stadium under an exclusive contract for a number of years and imported top British, European and South American teams for exhibition matches, featuring such stars as the late Sir Stanley Matthews and Pele of Brazil, arguably the best soccer player who ever kicked a round ball.
Prior to tying up Varsity Stadium, Stavro promoted a game between Glasgow Celtic and Inter Milan of Italy at the sold out and now much lamented CNE Stadium. The national team of England, Bangu of Brazil, Reims of France and AEK Athens of Greece are among other prominent international clubs that have played in Toronto over the years.
Moreover, sold out stands at Varsity Stadium greeted the matches of Toronto City of the Eastern Canada Professional Soccer League which boasted some of Great Britain's most famous players including Matthews.
Toronto City accomplished in 1961 something no other team was ever able to achieve. City had the captain of England (Johnny Haynes), the skipper of Scotland (Tommy Younger) and the captain of Northern Ireland (Danny Blanchflower) playing for the same team in league competition, along with Welsh junior international, Ambrose Morgan.
Small wonder that the powerful City squad won the ECPSL league championship and playoff cup, but also beat such respectable opposition as Stade Reims of France (2-1), AEK Athens of Greece (4-1), Bermuda All Stars (5-0) and British Columbia All Stars (7-1).
It behooves me to believe that if Real Madrid, Manchester United and Glasgow Celtic visit Toronto this year, the tickets will be hard to come by.
GROSSLY ABBREVIATED: The Finnish Hockey Association recently retired Jari Kurri's No. 17 sweater...Desai Williams, who finished seventh in the 100-metre sprint at Seoul, Korea in the 1988 Olympics is back training at age 44. In fact, Williams recently beat Ben Johnson in a friendly race upon which Big Ben told Dr. Tony Galea of the Sports Medicine Institute: "Yes, Desai always wins -- in training." Williams insisted yesterday that the Seoul Rematch is 90% certain with $2 million going to the winner, $1 million to the second place finisher and $500,000 for third place. Carl Lewis hasn't shown any interest to take part in the race ... Donations to our Variety Village Christmas Fund keep trickling in and they're much appreciated. Old friend Peter Widdrington mailed in a cheque for $200, E. Sobel and Ernest Pun each sent in $25 and James Monette added $10. Thank you all ... Miro Subrt, longtime Czech and international hockey executive, was presented the Olympic Order by IOC president Dr. Jacques Rogge.
