Beckham left off All-Star ballot

May 17, 2007, 20:15 GMT

Carson, CA - David Beckham was left off Major League Soccer's All-Star online ballot released Wednesday, but the future Los Angeles Galaxy star could still play in the game.

The online voting helps determine the starting lineup for the July 19 game at Dick's Sporting Goods Park in Colorado against Scottish power Celtic. Online votes are 25 percent of the total, with league coaches and general managers, media and players also accounting for 25 percent apiece.

Beckham, the former captain of England's national team, signed a five-year deal with Galaxy in January but won't join the team until his contract with Spain's Real Madrid expires at the end of June.

Beckham's earliest possible debut would be when Los Angeles hosts Chicago on July 4, one day before the starters for the All-Star exhibition game will be announced. It's unlikely Beckham will debut that soon after joining the club, meaning his debut in America could be in an exhibition against English power Chelsea on July 21 - or perhaps the MLS All-Star exhibition.

Although Beckham may not play in MLS before the game, it's possible he could play because the All-Star coach - based on which MLS team has the most points through June 25 - will select five reserves, and commissioner Don Garber will add two players to the roster.

© 2007 The Sports Network