Los Angeles FC: Will Ferrell becomes co-owner of new MLS franchise

'This is not a joke. I'm actually a member of this fine ownership group and it's very exciting.'

(Getty Images)

Actor and comedian Will Ferrell has been named as one of the 26 co-owners of the new Major League Soccer franchise Los Angeles FC.

Ferrell, 48, is a known football fan and has supported Chelsea since seeing the club tour the US more than 10 years ago.

The Hollywood A-lister, who is currently in cinemas starring in Daddy's Home alongside Mark Wahlberg, is part of a group that also includes NBA legend Magic Johnson, former US women's team star Mia Hamm as well as Queens Park Rangers director Ruben Gnanalingam and Cardiff City owner Vincent Tan.

The side, who will rival David Beckham's former club the LA Galaxy, will enter MLS from 2018.

"This is not a joke," said Ferrell, who shot to fame on Saturday Night Live in the 1990s.

"I grew up playing soccer on the mean streets of Irvine, California, starting when I was eight years old. I continue to play club soccer, our three boys all play soccer, my wife played soccer at Pomona.

"To say that soccer is a big part of our lives is an understatement, and I’m proud to be a member of this wonderful ownership group."

LAFC will play in a purpose-built 22,000-seat stadium in the south of the city, adjacent to the University of South California's American football stadium.