The losing side in a soccer matchup to determine the future of Fort Lauderdale's Lockhart Stadium plans to appeal a judge's denial of an injunction sought to stop demolition work.

In an 11-page order issued late Friday, Broward Circuit Judge Raag Singhal rejected the request by FXE Futbol LLC, which offered a competing plan to use the existing stadium. The judge noted the company could still pursue damages in its underlying lawsuit.

Under an interim agreement with the city, the removal of Lockhart Stadium would allow Miami Beckham United to build an 18,000-seat stadium and training facility to be used for two years by David Beckham's Major League Soccer team until a permanent home is built in Miami.

“The public interest is not served by imposing upon the discretionary functions of the city with regards to its municipally owned property,” Singhal wrote. “This court must recognize one of the structural pillars of this great nation, the doctrine of separation of powers, wherein, one branch of government must not interfere with the discretionary functions of other branches.”

The 65-acre, city-owned property is west of Interstate 95 near Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport. Over time, the stadium was the training home of the New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox and Baltimore Orioles.

Beckham's venture was represented by John Shubin, a founding partner at Shubin & Bass in Miami. He issued a statement saying the decision confirms the process “was both lawful and fair” and dismissed the challenge as “meritless litigation.”

The city's attorney was Nabors, Giblin & Nickerson shareholder Edward Dion in Fort Lauderdale.

FXE Futbol was represented by Miami attorney David Winker, who also has sued to stop Beckham's Miami plans. He said he disagreed with the judge's “conclusions as to our right to temporary injunction and will be appealing.”

“We also look forward to continuing to pursue our underlying case,” Winker added.

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