David Beckham's December visit to New Zealand will go ahead despite his latest career move, organisers insist.
The soccer star is due to play for the Italian side AC Milan from January during the United States' closed season.
He will then return to the US to play forthe LA Galaxy.
Auckland Regional Council spokesman Lance Vervoort said he spoke to Galaxy assistant general manager Tom Payne yesterday and confirmed Beckham would play in an exhibition match at Mt Smart Stadium on December 6.
He accepted AC Milan would probably be nervous about the chances of injury to its star guest player so close to a transfer.
The 2009 Major League Soccer season in the US starts in April, so it is understood the loan of Beckham will be only temporary.
LA Galaxy will arrive in Auckland on December 3 and will hold a practice session with school children from around the Auckland region two days later.
Mr Vervoort said Beckham was contracted to play all of the first half and most of the second, barring "calamitous" injury, as well as a Queensland match five days later.
The Oceania squad to face the Galaxy include six Kiwis: Players Jacob Spoonley, Ivan Vicelich, Jarrod Smith and Steven Old, assistant coach Colin Tuaa and manager Seamus Marten.
