Suspended Brazil Argentina match: see why FIFA want it to be replayed

The 2022 FIFA World Cup CONMEBOL qualifying series match between Brazil and Argentina last month was suspended after Brazilian Covid authorities invaded the pitch and ordered the arrest and deportation of four Premier League players.

The players were alleged to have entered the country by providing false information at the airport to avoid quarantine. Brazil ordered quarantine from any traveller into Brazil from England due to the Delta variant of Covid-19 but Aston Villa duo of Emi Martinez and Emi Buendia, as well as Tottenham duo of Giovanni Lo Celso and Cristian Romero were said to have entered Brazil with false details.

The match was suspended indefinitely but FIFA president Gianni Infantino has said the match must be replayed; “It is always good to decide matches on the pitch and not off the pitch. It isn't always possible, we have rules. Let's see what FIFA's disciplinary bodies decide.” Infantino said in a news conference on Monday in Buenos Aires.

The four players went through a quarantine process on return to England and missed games for their respective club sides. The incident is under proper investigation to ascertain if truly the players entered the country with false details.