A World Cup 2022 qualifier match between Brazil and Argentina was set to take place on Sunday (September 5, Brasilia Standard Time) at the Corinthians Arena in So Paulo. But, six minutes after the game started, health officials stormed the field and called the game off. The two teams were confused on whether or not the game would be resumed. However, it was finally postponed. Brazil leads the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers with 21 points, followed by Argentina with 15 points. Meanwhile, FIFA has launched an inquiry into the underlying reason for the suspension of Brazil vs. Argentina 2021 World Cup qualifier.
The Reason for the Suspension of Brazil vs. Argentina 2021 World Cup Qualifier
Brazil's health authorities invaded the field minutes after the game began. They stopped the game and forced the players to leave the stadium. The game was subsequently called off due to obstructions, and the participants rushed back to their respective hotels.
According to the Brazilian Health Regulatory Agency (Anvisa), the breach of travel restrictions owing to the coronavirus outbreak was the major cause for the match between Brazil and Argentina being postponed.
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Any traveler who visited the United Kingdom 14 days prior to arrival is not permitted to enter Brazil, as per Brazilian Covid-19 laws.
English Premier League players Emiliano Martnez, Emiliano Buenda, Giovani Lo Celso, and Cristian Romero were all asked to leave the country by Anvisa. Because they were in the United Kingdom for less than two weeks before heading to Brazil for a World Cup qualification match. According to the Brazilian department of health, this poses a significant health threat, and they must be deported.
Later, CONMEBOL (the South American Football Federation) confirmed the suspension of Brazil vs. Argentina 2021 World Cup qualifying match via their official Twitter account.
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Brazil vs. Argentina 2021 WC Qualifier Suspension: How did All This Happen?
According to Sky Sports, Brazil's health regulator Anvisa requested the urgent isolation of four Argentina players at approximately 6 p.m. (Brasilia Standard Time) before their World Cup qualifier against Brazil. However, they defied the instructions, and Brazil vs. Argentina match began at the scheduled time of 8 p.m.
Shortly after kick-off, health authorities marched onto the field and approached the Argentina players. They tried to remove Emiliano Martinez, Emiliano Buenda, Giovani Lo Celso, and Cristian Romero from the pitch.
Argentina's captain, Lionel Messi tried to speak with authorities, but his teammates stayed in the locker room. The Argentine team eventually departed the stadium at 8.40 p.m., and the game was suspended at 8.50 p.m.
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The AFA (Argentina Football Federation) showed their displeasure with the match's suspension by posting a photo of Argentina players on their way back to the country. The Brazilian Football Federation also expressed sorrow for the way in which the match was postponed.
What is FIFA's position on the suspension of the Brazil-Argentina World Cup qualifier?
FIFA President Gianni Infantino is concerned by the postponement of this key World Cup qualifier between Brazil and Argentina. FIFA has already begun an investigation into the incident. FIFA reaffirmed its position in an official statement.
"FIFA regrets the scenes preceding the suspension of the match between Brazil and Argentina for the CONMEBOL qualifiers of World Cup 2022 which prevented millions of fans from enjoying a match between two of the most important football nations in the world,"
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"The first match official reports have been sent to FIFA. This information will be analysed by the competent disciplinary bodies and a decision will be taken in due course."The statement said.
The world's highest football governing body expressed sorrow for the manner in which the match was suspended, which hurt millions of football fans worldwide. FIFA also confirmed that they have received the report from the match officials and they would make a decision after reviewing the information.
Where are these Four Argentine Players Now?
Following the incident, Argentina released the four Premier League players. They will all be unavailable for Friday's (September 10) World Cup qualifying match against Bolivia.
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Aston Villa's Martinez and Buendia have traveled to Croatia. It will allow them to avoid the UK government's 10-day strict quarantine. Both players will be out for the crucial away match against Chelsea on September 11, but they will be available for the home match against Everton on September 18.
On the other hand, Tottenham's Christian Romero and Lo Celso are set to miss the Premier League encounter against Crystal Palace on September 11 and UEFA Europa Conference League match against Rennes on September 16. They should be eligible for a Premier League home fixture against Chelsea on September 19.
Bottom Line
Argentina and Brazil were slated to face off in a crucial encounter in the South American World Cup qualifiers earlier this week. The match began but was subsequently postponed due to confusion between the related parties over travel restrictions in the case of the coronavirus epidemic. It is uncertain at this moment whether or not the postponed match will be rescheduled. FIFA is presently conducting an investigation into the primary cause of the suspension. The fate of this Brazil vs. Argentina 2021 World Cup qualifying match will most likely be decided following FIFA's final inquiry report.
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