Torontonians will be getting a $62.8-million, 20,000-seat soccer stadium at Exhibition Place despite some kicking and screaming at city council last night.

Under a contentious deal approved in a 25-13 council vote last night, the city will own the stadium and Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment Ltd. (MLSEL) will run operations at the location for 20 years.

"Soccer is big in this city. The city has changed," Mayor David Miller said. "Having a facility here for soccer is going to be terrific."

The city will put up $9.8 million while the provincial and federal governments are to chip in a total of $35 million. MLSEL will contribute the remaining $18 million.

In addition, the city is putting up the land, south of the Food Building, which is valued at $10 million.

MLSEL is obligated to build the stadium and ensure it is completed on time and on budget. If there is a deficit stemming from operations in the 20-year deal, MLSEL must pay the first $250,000. MLSEL and the city are required to split any operating losses exceeding $250,000.

MLSEL is to field a professional soccer team at the stadium. The new arena, slated for completion in June, 2007, will be used to host the FIFA men's under-20 World Youth Championship.

Ian Clarke, of MLSEL, said construction of the stadium could start as early as January.

Councillor Michael Del Grande complained that there were no competing bids to build the stadium.

"It's a backroom deal," Del Grande charged. "You can have all the money in the world, you're still putting my taxpayers' money into this thing."

He noted that governments "lost their shirts" after investing heavily in the SkyDome. Constructed at an estimated cost of $650 million, the 'Dome was bought for $25 million last year by Rogers Communications and renamed the Rogers Centre.