FIFA OK with Honduras...For Now

There has been a lot of discussion over the past couple days about whether the ongoing political conflict in Honduras could potentially force the USA-Honduras World Cup Qualifier to be moved to another site. Today, FIFA stated that they do not foresee having to move the October 10 match. With a little over two weeks until the day of the game and an ever-changing situation in Honduras, FIFA also added that they would continue to monitor security in the Central American nation.

Though we all want the US to win and would love for them to avoid a game in San Pedro Sula, it really is a shame that all of this happening right now. Political strife and internal conflict is taking away from a bright period for Honduran soccer, as Los Catratchos are on the verge of qualifying for their first World Cup since 1982. Let's hope the situation resolves itself with minimal impact on the Honduran National Team and all of the people of Honduras.

Nevertheless, it's worth thinking about the possibility of this game being played at another venue. Moving a World Cup Qualifier would not be an unprecedented move, as FIFA moved the second leg of the China-Myanmar opening round tie in 2007. Neighboring Guatemala could be one possibility, with FIFA stating that the new venue would have to be agreed upon by both sides.

Though FIFA has stated that it doesn't think the match will need to be moved, they may not have the final say. Should the US State Department, which has stated that all non-essential travel to Honduras by American citizens should be deferred until further notice, prevent the team from travelling for security purposes, FIFA will be forced to move the match.

With a little more than two weeks remaining until the game, it will be interesting to see how this situation plays out.