An Associated Press report confirms Liverpool co-owner George Gillett as the member of an investment group that would bring Major League Soccer to Montreal. Joey Saputo, the president and owner of USL first division club Montreal Impact, tells the AP: "I can confirm that we are in discussions with Gillett Entertainment Group as well as with Major League Soccer to bring an MLS franchise to Montreal. However, I am currently in no position to share any more details, since doing so would jeopardize the process.''
According to the report, Saputo and Gillett would split the $30 million franchise fee and put $12 million towards the expansion of Saputo Stadium from 13,000 to 20,000 seats. The stadium has only just finished completion and will open this season. Montreal daily La Presse reported that they hope to call the team Montreal FC and begin play in the 2009 season.
Major League Soccer confirmed the bid. "We announced in November that we have had discussions with the Saputo family about expansion in Montreal and we have subsequently met with representatives of the Gillett Entertainment Group," MLS Commissioner Don Garber said in a statement.
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