Honduras and French Guiana finish in controversial 0-0 draw

Updated: May 17, 2023, 05:43 am

Bryan Acosta, left, and Florent Malouda in action during Honduras' and French Guiana's Gold Cup match on Tuesday.
Bryan Acosta, left, and Florent Malouda in action during Honduras' and French Guiana's Gold Cup match on Tuesday.
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Honduras and French Guiana finished in a goalless draw in their second match at the 2017 Gold Cup on Tuesday night in Houston.

The game was marked by controversy from the off as French Guiana elected to start Florent Malouda, who had already been ruled ineligible to play because he is cap tied to France after making 80 appearances for Les Bleus.

Honduras dominated proceedings but failed to find an end product, with French Guiana goalkeeper Donovan Leon coming up with save after save and Jorge Luis Pinto's team wasting great chances to open up the scoring.

Malouda inspired the French Guiana attack and the team had chances to score throughout the 90 minutes, although any result would likely have come in vain as Honduras should be given all three points by a 3-0 scoreline due to the ineligible player.

Following the match, CONCACAF issued this statement:

"In regards to the election of the French Guiana National Team to field player Florent Malouda in this evening's Gold Cup match against the Honduras National Team, and in line with the CONCACAF Gold Cup 2017 Regulations which are governed by FIFA Regulations pertaining to player eligibility, the matter has been referred to the CONCACAF Gold Cup Disciplinary Committee. The Disciplinary Committee will review the case and render its decision in due time."