Marco Pappa has opted to step away from the Guatemala national team for the remainder of 2014.
The 26-year old Seattle Sounders winger, who has 37 caps for his country, has decided to stand by his fellow Guatemalan teammates and rule himself out of any international dates for the rest of the calendar year.
Former MLS star Carlos Ruiz, who is back in his homeland playing for Municipal, is the president of the Guatemalan Players Association but wants to see that organization recognised by the National Football Federation of Guatemala which is the reason for the standoff.
Despite the fact he is not currently playing in Guatemala, former Chiacgo Fire and Heerenveen midfielder Pappa says he too will forego any call-up in a bid to back up his national teammates.
Pappa posted the following in Spanish on Twitter:
Quiero poner en conocimiento la decisión que he tomado de no participar con la SELECCIÓN NACIONAL DE FUTBOL DE GUATEMALA en las fechas FIFA
— Marco Pappa (@marcopappas16) September 25, 2014
restantes del año, como lo han hecho los jugadores profesionales del CLUB SOCIAL Y DEPORTIVO MUNICIPAL Apoyando a mis conpañeros ...
— Marco Pappa (@marcopappas16) September 25, 2014
El futbolista tiene que ser respetado, Ya que esta pelea es de todos y Yo estoy con ustedes .. Marco Pappa
— Marco Pappa (@marcopappas16) September 25, 2014
Pappa's words roughly translate to: I want to inform the decision I made not to participate in the NATIONAL TEAM SOCCER GUATEMALA FIFA dates remaining in the year, as have professional players MUNICIPAL SOCIAL AND SPORTS CLUB. Supporting my conpañeros. The player has to be respected Since this fight is all and I am with you ..
