Brazil vs Argentina qualifier to be replayed as four players get two-game bans

Brazil vs Argentina qualifier to be replayed as four players get two-game bans

The World Cup qualifier between Brazil and Argentina that was suspended amid farcical scenes will be replayed, FIFA have confirmed.

September's contest in Sao Paolo was called off after Brazilian health officials entered the pitch early on due to an alleged breach of COVID-19 protocols.


Brazil's World Cup qualifier with Argentina was suspended in September


The issue centred around visitors Argentina naming three Premier League players in their starting line-up, with travellers from the UK restricted entry to Brazil at the time.

Emiliano Martinez, Cristian Romero and Giovani Lo Celso, as well as Emi Buendia, were accused by the Brazilian government of providing false information on immigration forms.

FIFA launched an investigation at the time and, five months on, a verdict was announced on Monday.

As well as ordering the match to be replayed at a location and date to be set by world football's governing body, Martinez, Buendia, Romero and Lo Celso have been banned for two games.

The suspension is "for not complying with the FIFA Return to Football International Match Protocol".

Brazil have also been fined 550,000 Swiss francs – the equivalent to £439,225 – and Argentina 250,000 Swiss francs.

South American heavyweights Brazil and Argentina have already booked a place at Qatar 2022 with three games, including the rescheduled match, still to play.