The next likely MLS franchise, Vancouver Whitecaps, is in danger of not going ahead after talks involving the government of putting aside plans on a retractable roof project for BC Place Stadium.

Whitecaps president Bob Lenarduzzi said the stadium was highly important to the bid and the renovations would need to completed by March 2011, when the franchise would make its MLS debut.

"We haven't talked to MLS, but [the renovation] is a very important part of our submission," Lenarduzzi said. "If it goes sideways, there will be some issues.

"We need that (the roof) to happen," Lenarduzzi added.

BC Minister of Tourism, Culture and the Arts, Kevin Krueger said the current economic climate could lead to delays for renovations at the stadium.

"The challenging economic times are very much a part of the picture," the Minister said.

"It's a complicated world we are in right now, this is a very expensive project and we are in very challenging economic times so Treasury Board is analyzing it."