Former Los Angeles coach Ruud Gullit believes that American soccer organizers put clamps on the sport's popularity because they are afraid of seeing it become as big as it is around the world.

The Dutchman says David Beckham has been great for MLS, but says the England star cannot bring the game to the level of other American sports by himself.
 
"David is more than just a football player and I think he does extremely well to give football here a lift," Gullit told Reuters. "I think (U.S. soccer organizers) will just control it so it doesn't become more popular than their American sports."

"I have my doubts if they really want to make it popular," he added. "Some sports already have had a bit of a dive, so they don't want American football to become less popular, or basketball or baseball."

Gullit has previously credited MLS for a decent standard of play despite excessive travel and oppressive summer temperatures, but also has stated a disdain for the player acquisition system.