Honduras to take legal action against referee as they feel 'wronged' in game vs Mexico

Mexico won on penalties

Honduras are planning to take legal action against referee Ivan Barton, following their controversial Nations League match against Mexico at Estadio Azteca.

The Honduran team believes they were wronged by the decisions made by Barton, which they argue favored Mexico. The contentious decisions include allowing the game to continue until the 101st minute of regulation time, repeating penalty kicks multiple times, and not penalizing an alleged infringement by Mexican goalkeeper Luis Malagon during the penalty shootout.

President of the Honduran National Football Federation (FENAFUTH), Jorge Salomon, stated that they intend to pursue legal channels to potentially win the game through official procedures.

«We were affected by the added time, then in penalties as well,» Salomon noted.

«We are going to analyse what we are going to do legally, it was a refereeing, more than favoring the hosts, had a direction.

»We've never had anything this uncomfortable happen to us before. It seemed like a movie, the nine minutes had passed. It wasn't nine, it was five, then ten and then 11 and then 12."

Honduras had hoped to secure direct qualification for the Copa America through the CONCACAF Nations League but, after the defeat against Mexico, they now face a re-qualification playoff against Costa Rica.

The playoff for the Copa America 2024 will consist of single matches scheduled for March next year. Trinidad and Tobago will face Canada, while Honduras will take on Costa Rica.

The winners of these matches will progress to the CONMEBOL tournament, providing an opportunity for redemption after the disputed match against Mexico.