FIFA chief says Brazil game abandonment was ‘crazy’
MANCHESTER, England, (Reuters) - FIFA is investigating the abandonment of the Brazil-Argentina World Cup qualifier with its president Gianni Infantino labelling the events “crazy”, while Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly ready to take disciplinary action against their Argentine players.
Brazilian health authorities intervened on Sunday after accusing four Argentine Premier League players of violating the country’s COVID-19 quarantine rules.
Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez and Spurs duo Cristian Romero and Giovani Lo Celso were on the Neo Quimica Arena pitch as part of Argentina’s team when officials from Brazil’s health regulator Anvisa walked onto the field and stopped the game around five minutes after kickoff.
Aston Villa midfielder Emiliano Buendia had also travelled from the UK and was in the stands.
Anvisa said Brazilian rules make clear that travellers who have been in the UK, South Africa or India during the previous 14 days are forbidden from entering the country unless they are Brazilian citizens or have permanent residency.
It said Argentine players had made false statements about their previous whereabouts on immigration forms.
Brazil’s Federal Police said yesterday they had opened a formal inquiry into the actions of the Argentine players who, a spokesperson said, were deported.
“We can confirm an investigation has begun into the possible crime of supplying false information,” a spokesperson said.
“Yesterday, the players were notified they must leave the country, which is the regular procedure, and statements from them were taken.”
The Argentina squad left Brazil together on Sunday night and flew back to Buenos Aires.
FIFA said it had received reports from match officials. “The information will be analysed by the competent disciplinary bodies and a decision will be taken in due course,” world soccer’s governing body said in a statement.
DIFFICULT SITUATION
Infantino, in a video address to the European Club Association’s general assembly, said the situation was a reminder of the difficulties faced during the pandemic.