MEXICO CITY, Sept. 23 (Xinhua) -- The post-coup political crisis in Honduras is starting to harm its national sport soccer, former head coach of the country's national team Ramon Maradiago said on Wednesday.

    "The coup has hit football. Fans don't go to the stadiums, there is a financial deficit and all club directors are in trouble," he said in Mexico City, where he is accompanying Honduran team Real Espana for their match with Mexico soccer giant Pumas.

    The trainer said that club directors "are feeling strain in fulfilling financial obligations to some players".

    Maradiago, who had played professional soccer for Spanish league team Tenerife before turning to coach, said that Real Espana was not one of those worst hit, but "there is a real sense that players are living with constant uncertainty."

    Manuel Zelaya was deposed from Honduras' presidency in June 28 coup, but returned this week to capital Tegucigalpa to demand the post-coup government restore him to power.

    "Football is pain relief. It relaxes and distracts us. It pulls us out of bad feelings," said Maradiago on Wednesday.

    "But we have heard lately that the current round of the league has been suspended. All we can do is hope that things are not about to get worse," he said.