FIFA officials monitor security in Honduras

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NEW YORK (AP) -- Football officials are watching the security situation in Honduras, hoping they won't have to move next month's World Cup qualifier against the United States.

Airports have been closed since Monday, when violence began after ousted President Manuel Zelaya returned to Tegucigalpa.

The United States is to play Honduras in San Pedro Sula on Oct. 10 and would clinch its sixth straight World Cup berth with a win.

"It's too early to say where it stands, but certainly we'll watch what's going on," FIFA executive committee member Chuck Blazer said on Wednesday. "The preference is to obviously keep it on site."

Blazer, the secretary general of the Confederation of North and Central American Football, said a decision will be made by FIFA in consultation with CONCACAF. He said he hopes for a determination next week and said it will depend on security and airport access.

"We're continuing to monitor the situation and remain in contact with CONCACAF and FIFA," U.S. Soccer Federation president Sunil Gulati said.

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