Will Ferrell: Actor is co-owner of Los Angeles FC in MLS

Image source, Getty Images

Image caption, Will Ferrell is said to be a Chelsea fan

American comedy actor Will Ferrell has been named as a co-owner of new Major League Soccer franchise Los Angeles FC.

The 48-year-old is part of a 26-strong ownership group that also includes basketball legend Magic Johnson and former USA women's striker Mia Hamm.

QPR director Ruben Gnanalingam and Cardiff City owner Vincent Tan are also involved.

The franchise will enter the MLS from 2018 and will be the city's second club, competing with LA Galaxy.

Ferrell, best known for comedy films such as Elf and Anchorman, said: "This is not a joke. I'm actually a member of this fine ownership group and it's very exciting."

He added his three sons play the game and his wife played at Pomona College.

Managing partner Henry Nguyen acknowledged the ownership group may seem "cumbersome".

But he added: "It's a joy to have such a collection of incredibly successful, experienced, talented people contributing their ideas."

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.