Geopolitics of soccer

Sir, – Your leader "The world reimagined" (October 14th) mentions that war has never broken out over football. However, in July 1969, a 100-hour war, the "Football War", broke out between El Salvador and Honduras. Tension between the two countries had been simmering and came to a head after rioting broke out during the 1970 Fifa World Cup qualifier matches between the two countries. A shaky peace accord followed after invasion and four days of battle. Hopefully none of that sort of thing will befall us as we prepare for the 2018 World Cup. – Yours, etc,

PATRICK JUDGE,

Dún Laoghaire,

Co Dublin.