MLS downplays Mark Wahlberg's interest in Columbus Crew

Columbus Crew fans might want to tone down their excitement over the prospect of actor Mark Wahlberg saving their Major League Soccer franchise.

After the Hollywood star claimed he'd be interested in purchasing the Crew during an interview with a local television station in Columbus, an MLS spokesperson told Jeff Carlisle of ESPN FC there's "nothing substantive" to his comments about the franchise, whose owners are attempting to relocate the club.

The actor was in the state capital for the opening of a car dealership when he claimed he'd be interested in purchasing the Crew after becoming enamored with soccer during this summer's World Cup in Russia.

"Actually, you know what, I certainly would," Wahlberg told Ben Garbarek of ABC 6. "My dear friend Bob Kraft has not only the (New England) Patriots, but he owns the New England Revolution as well. I have a bunch of people who are involved. I think that may be something we need to discuss. I became a huge, huge soccer fan. This World Cup really got me."

Related: MLS could lose more than Columbus fans if owners complete Austin relocation

The team's owners, Precourt Sports Ventures, announced in October 2017 that they were exploring the possibility of relocating the Crew to Austin, Texas, after failing to get approval for a new downtown soccer stadium in Columbus.

The move could edge closer to becoming reality Wednesday when the Austin City Council holds a vote over the possibility of building a $200-million 20,000-seat stadium in the northern part of the city.