Four Argentinean players were said to be in breach of Brazil’s Covid-19 protocols
FIFA are set to award Argentina three points for the suspended game against Brazil in September.
On September 6, Argentina’s game against Brazil at the Neo Quimica Arena was suspended as Brazilian federal police and health authorities attempted to gain access to the pitch to detain and then deport three Argentina stars.
The World Cup qualifier was tied at 0-0 when the health officials tried to get on to the pitch. They were apparently seeking to get hold of Emiliano Martinez, Giovani Lo Celso and Sergio Romero, as well as Emi Buendia, who was not playing.
The four Argentinean players were all said to be in breach of Brazil’s Covid-19 protocols. Travel for elite sportspeople was permitted in the country, but not for individuals travelling from certain countries.
As the United Kingdom was on a restricted list, the four players were all said to have breached protocols.
The players would have had to quarantine for 14 days upon entering the country, having travelled from the UK. That did not happen, so the health authorities warned that the Premier League quartet should immediately leave the country.
Argentina went ahead and selected Martinez, the Aston Villa goalkeeper, and Spurs duo Romero and Lo Celso. With the game underway, the health authorities – backed by federal police officers – arrived on the scene to halt the game.
Players from both Brazil and Argentina pleaded with the authorities and match officials for the game to resume, but a decision was taken to take both sides off the pitch.
There was a long delay as officials from both sides tried to get the game back on. Respective captains Lionel Messi and Dani Alves were seen chatting amicably in the tunnel as the debates raged on.
Brazilian authorities have entered the pitch for Brazil vs Argentina with what appears to be the intention of detaining four players accused of lying about their quarantine status pic.twitter.com/vXqB3c7D5y
— FootballJOE (@FootballJOE) September 5, 2021
Now, TNT are reporting that FIFA are set to award the three points to Argentina for the suspended game.
"ES CASI UN HECHO QUE EN DICIEMBRE LA FIFA LE DARÁ LOS PUNTOS A ARGENTINA 🇦🇷"
El partido contra Brasil 🇧🇷 en San Pablo, suspendido a los 5 minutos ⚽
La info de @HernanSCastillo en #HalconesyPalomas pic.twitter.com/57ZL8bmHRh
— TNT Sports Argentina (@TNTSportsAR) November 16, 2021
Tite’s Brazil are currently first in their qualification group (CONMEBOL), having accumulated 34 points after winning 11 of their opening 12 matches.
Argentina sit behind them in second position, with Lionel Scaloni’s side having achieved 28 points so far, winning eight of their first 12 games.
Should La Albiceleste be awarded the three outstanding points, they would close to gap on Brazil to just three points.
With Brazil and Argentina facing-off on Tuesday night (16 November), the decision to award the three points could prove to be a significant decision.
Related links:
- Wild scenes in Brazil as health authorities stop game and try to deport Argentina stars
- Tearful Neymar congratulates Messi after Argentina defeat Brazil in Copa America final
- Alisson makes cryptic dig at referee Craig Pawson on Instagram after Brazil win
