Another controversial Brazil Vs. Argentina game: Why the match was suspended under CONMEBOL President, Alejandro Domínguez the first time

Sunday 5th September saw the playing out of drama between Brazil and Argentina as their FIFA World Cup qualifying match was suspended due to allegations of Argentine players breaking the rules. Emiliano Martinez, Emiliano Buendia, Giovanni Lo Celso and Christian Romero were accused of giving false declarations in a bid to gain entry to Brazil for the qualifier at the Arena Corinthians. Three of the players, Emiliano Buendia excluded, were in the starting 11 against Brazil on Sunday. 

In the 6th minute of the match, Brazilian health authorities from ANVISA interrupted the match in a bid to arrest the affected players. The disruption led to the stoppage and eventual suspension of the match between both South-American giants. The match has been suspended indefinitely till CONMEBOL and FIFA complete their investigations and give a verdict on the match. 

Ironically, this is not the first time matches would be suspended by CONMEBOL under the reign of CONMEBOL President Alejandro Dominguez. More interestingly, this is the second time this particular fixture (Brazil Vs. Argentina) would be suspended within the space of a year. In March 2021, the fixture along with all other Matchday 6 fixtures of the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying series was postponed by the football governing body. 

Under the reign of CONMEBOL President, Alejandro Dominguez, the South-American soccer scene has been controversial with many scenes and scandals dominating the airwaves. The Argentine national team was involved in one of such during the 2019 Copa America where Lionel Messi alleged that the governing body was corrupt. The 6-time Ballon d'Or winner was subsequently fined and suspended for his comments.