TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras (AP) _ Kidnappers released the 14-year-old
daughter of a top official of the Honduran soccer federation, which
had postponed five top-division soccer matches this weekend to
express solidarity with the family, authorities said on Saturday.
Veronica Isabel Sabillon, daughter of Argelio Sabillon, the head
of the federation's disciplinary and referees commission, was
released unharmed late Friday in a village about 200 kilometres
northwest of the capital of Tegucigalpa, the elder Sabillon said.
``The girl is safe and sound and is with her family,'' said
police spokesman Jose Luis Munoz, who confirmed that a ransom had
been paid, but did not specify the amount.
Instead of Saturday's matches, the federation had scheduled a
vigil for the kidnapped girl, who spent six days in captivity. With
her release, the vigil was changed to a celebratory event to give
thanks for her safe return.
The matches will be rescheduled.
Last Sunday, four assailants stormed into a vacation home owned
by the family near Santa Barbara, held guests and the elder Sabillon
at gunpoint, kidnapped the girl and fled in a car.
Authorities said the kidnappers had demanded $50,000 US ($55,500
Cdn) for her release.
