24/09/2009

USA World Cup game threatened by political turmoil

The crucial World Cup qualifying match between the USA and Honduras may be moved as tension grows in the Central American country.

Ousted president Manuel Zelaya recently returned to Tegucigalpa but immediately took refuge in the Brazilian Embassy, says the New York Times.

His replacement, Roberto Micheletti, has closed all Honduran airports and introduced curfews and roadblocks.

FIFA’s first option would probably be another Central American state. There is also the possibility of moving the game to a city in the United States while still considering it a home game and gate for Honduras. They apparently enjoyed wide support in Chicago in June when the two sides met.

FIFA and the United States Soccer Federation are now monitoring the situation. The game is scheduled to take place on October 10th.

With two qualifying matches remaining, the USA leads the six-team North, Central America and Caribbean group on 16 points. Mexico are second on 15, followed by Honduras on 13.

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