Jamaica's first home game of the CONCACAF final round of World Cup qualifiers against Panama on March 22 clashes with another sport 'biggy' on the local calendar.

Following the draw in Miami Beach on Wednesday to establish a final schedule of the decisive round, the Reggae Boyz were drawn to face the Central Americans on the penultimate day of the ISSA Boys and Girls Athletics Championships, which was expected to run from March 19-23, 2013.

The March 22 meeting follows that of the Boyz's opening game of the hexagonal round in an away acid test to Mexico on February 6.

Speaking to the Jamaica Observer yesterday, president of the Jamaica Football Federation, Captain Horace Burrell, said it was an unfortunate coincidence and stressed that the FIFA set date offers no flexibility unless in very extreme circumstances.

"It's unfortunate but the FIFA date can't be changed... I have spoken with ISSA's representative George Forbes and I am confident it will all be worked out amicably. We respect Champs and what it means to the people of Jamaica, but in a situation like this there is no flexibility in the FIFA schedule. But I am certain that in the end it is a matter that will be resolved to benefit and satisfaction of all," Burrell said.

According to FIFA rules, only an incident of force majeure could force a change in the rigid fixture.

In a wikipedia definition, force majeure is a common clause in contracts that essentially frees both parties from liability or obligation when an extraordinary event or circumstance beyond the control of the parties, such as a war, strike, riot, crime, or an event described by the legal term act of God (such as hurricane, flooding, earthquake, volcanic eruption, etc), prevents one or both parties from fulfilling their obligations under the contract.

Meanwhile, competitions director of ISSA, George Forbes, said since the FIFA fixture can't be changed under the existing circumstances, the umbrella group and organisers of the mega school athletics festival may have to consider bringing the event forward by a week — March 12-16.

"I spoke to Captain Burrell today (yesterday) and he informed me that the FIFA schedule can't be changed... it will be a big challenge, but we maybe able to bring our schedule forward by a week. ISSA will meet on Wednesday to discuss the matter. We do understand that a World Cup qualifier is an international event and that will take precedence," Forbes noted.

CONCACAF Hexagonal schedule

February 6

Mexico vs Jamaica

Honduras vs United States

Panama vs Costa Rica

March 22

Jamaica vs Panama

Honduras vs Mexico

United States vs Costa Rica

March 26

Mexico vs United States

Panama vs Honduras

Costa Rica vs Jamaica

June 4

Jamaica vs Mexico

June 7

Jamaica vs United States

Panama vs Mexico

Costa Rica vs Honduras

June 11

Mexico vs Costa Rica

Honduras vs Jamaica

United States vs Panama

June 18

United States vs Honduras

Costa Rica vs Panama

September 6

Mexico vs Honduras

Panama vs Jamaica

Costa Rica vs United States

September 10

Jamaica vs Costa Rica

Honduras vs Panama

United States vs Mexico

October 11

Mexico vs Panama

United States vsJamaica

October 15

Jamaica vs Honduras

Panama vs United States

Costa Rica vs Mexico