FC Barcelona and Marcelo Claure, President of Bolivar Futbol Club are in discussions with FIU about possibly bringing a Major League Soccer expansion franchise to FIU Stadium.

Before FIU's football practice Tuesday afternoon, a ''Welcome MLS'' sign was playing on the FIU Stadium video jumbotron.

Asked about the MLS welcome sign and to confirm if FIU is talking about bringing pro soccer to the FIU Stadium, FIU athletic director Pete Garcia said: ``There has been serious discussions to bring the highest level of professional soccer to South Florida and in particular to our new FIU Stadium.''

The MLS is expected to award two expansion franchises in 2011 and coincidentally, that's the year FIU Stadium's lower level will be completed to seat 21,000.

FIU built its new stadium not only for Golden Panthers football, but with soccer in mind by putting the seats as close as possible to the field, but with enough room to allow for soccer matches to be played.

There had been talk in the past about Miami FC possibly moving to FIU Stadium next season after playing at Tropical Park.

Asked about Miami FC's possible move to FIU Stadium, Garcia said: ``No comment.''

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