May 09, (THEWILL) – After reviewing arguments by the football associations of Brazil and Argentina, the FIFA Appeal Committee concluded on Monday, that the cancelled World Cup qualifier between the arch South American football rivals must be replayed.
As THEWILL previously reported, the qualification in September was called off minutes after it began when Brazilian health inspectors stormed the field, claiming that Argentina’s England-based players had broken the country’s COVID-19 quarantine laws.
Both countries have already qualified for the World Cup in Qatar later this year, with Brazil finishing first and Argentina second in the South American (CONMEBOL) standings.
However, FIFA, football’s regulatory body, ordered the match to be replayed causing the teams to file an appeal.
In a statement making their recent decision public, FIFA said: “After analysing the submissions of both parties and considering all circumstances of the case, the Appeal Committee confirmed that the match would be replayed.
“[FIFA] also upheld the fine of 50,000 Swiss francs ($50,322) that was imposed on both associations as a result of the abandonment.”
FIFA also punished the Brazilian Football Association (CBF) and Argentina’s Football Association (AFA), for failing to maintain “order and safety.” In Monday’s appeal, the fines were reduced to 250,000 Swiss francs and 100,000 Swiss francs, respectively.
The AFA said last month that they would appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. Already, in June, ahead of Qatar 2022, Brazil and Argentina will play a friendly international at Melbourne Cricket Ground.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
