Fifa to investigate BrazilArgentina debacle

MANCHESTER: Fifa is investigating the abandonment of the BrazilArgentina World Cup qualifier, with its president, Gianni Infantino, labelling the events ‘‘crazy’’, while Tottenham Hotspur is reportedly ready to take disciplinary action against its Argentine players.

Brazilian health authorities intervened on Monday after accusing four Argentine English Premier League players of violating the country’s Covid19 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 on to 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 it 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 it had opened a formal inquiry into the actions of the Argentine players who, a spokesperson said, were deported.

The Argentina squad left Brazil together on Monday 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,’’ Fifa said in a statement.

The Argentine Football Association said Fifa gave both national associations six days to outline their positions. — Reuters