El Salvador Barred From Hosting U.S. World Cup Game

Soccer’s governing body today barred El Salvador from hosting a World Cup qualifying game with the United States after fan misbehavior forced the referee to discontinue a match between El Salvador and Costa Rica at San Salvador on June 25.

The U.S.-El Salvador game, scheduled for July 9, will be played at a neutral site, the Federation Internationale de Football Assn. said. No decision on the site of the game was made. A FIFA spokesman said Mexico is a possibility.

Referee Arturo Brizio of Mexico was forced to terminate the El Salvador-Costa Rica match in the 84th minute when El Salvador fans charged onto the field after their goalkeeper gave up the final goal, which they believed should have been an easy save. Costa Rica was leading 4-2 when play was stopped.

Costa Rica leads the qualifying group and is virtually assured of a berth in Italy. The United States is second.