Thu Feb 20 03:00:00 UTC 2025: ## Last-Minute Scramble for Motagua’s Concacaf Clash Against FC Cincinnati
**Tegucigalpa, Honduras** – The first leg of the Concacaf Champions League round of 16 between Motagua and FC Cincinnati kicked off amidst a whirlwind of last-minute preparations and controversy. The match, held at the Estadio Nacional Chelato Uclés, was nearly jeopardized due to organizational issues that almost resulted in significant sanctions for the Honduran club.
Concacaf imposed stringent requirements on the stadium setup, mandating that the team benches be located in the sun-exposed sector of the stadium and that television broadcasts avoid showing the still-under-construction stands in that area. Motagua faced significant challenges in meeting these demands, leading to a frantic race against time to comply.
The most striking image was the improvised dugouts: simple plastic chairs hastily assembled to satisfy Concacaf’s regulations. This unconventional setup sparked considerable debate and criticism. The club risked a hefty fine, potentially exceeding $10,000, and even faced the possibility of future games being played behind closed doors or relocated to San Pedro Sula. Further complicating matters, Concacaf also required the relocation of LED advertising boards.
Despite the pre-match chaos, a passionate crowd, including some Motagua fans surprisingly sporting FC Cincinnati jerseys, turned out to support their team. The game ultimately proceeded, though the lingering question remains whether Motagua will face any further repercussions from Concacaf for the organizational shortcomings.
First Piper 