MIAMI – A major partner in David Beckham's investment group working to bring an MLS franchise to Miami has cast doubts on a team ever playing in South Florida.

In an interview with the Toronto Sun, investor Tim Leiweke sounded less than enthusiastic about Beckham's MLS in Miami dream becoming a reality.

"I have my fears as to whether it's going to get done because things like this drag on this long that's always tough on the process," said Leiweke.

Beckham announced his intentions to own a Miami franchise back in 2015, but since then, little has been done.

While certainly the biggest name in the group, Beckham would only be a minority owner of the team, while investor Todd Boehly would be the club's majority owner.

The soccer icon's frustrating search for a stadium site seemed to find a solution with a spot near the Miami River in Overtown. However, construction will not start until the league awards a franchise to Beckham and his partners.

Beckham put up a down payment of $450,000 on the land and owes the remainder of the $9 million by September 2018.

Michael Hernandez, an aide to Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Gimenez, says nothing has changed on the county's end of a deal to obtain a franchise, but said there has been no recent communication with Beckham.

The county is currently embroiled in a battle with Key Biscayne resident Bruce Matheson who opposes the land deal.

Leiweke appears to believe Miami and Beckham's chance at an MLS franchise may have passed.

“It would be unfortunate for the league to not honour the job he did and the decision he made,” Leiweke added. “His best work would still be ahead of us if we could figure out a way to get him involved with a franchise."

While all hope is not lost, frustration appears to be growing within Beckham's group.

“I’m helping any way I can with David,” Leiweke said. “I hope it gets done, but it’s not done."