FIFA, on Friday, announced that disciplinary proceedings have been opened into the football federations of Brazil and Argentina after a brawl delayed the start of a 2026 World Cup qualifying match.
Tuesday’s match in Rio de Janeiro’s Maracana stadium, which world champions Argentina won 1-0, was delayed for about half an hour after rival fans started fighting before kickoff.
The iconic stadium descended into chaos, as players tried in vain to get fans to stop the fray. Argentina captain Lionel Messi led his team back to the dressing room, returning only after the violence had been quelled.
Police fought back the melee with batons, leaving some fans with bloodied faces and other injuries.
READ ALSO: 33 police officers, fans injured in Bulgaria Euro qualifier clashes
“FIFA can confirm that its Disciplinary Committee has opened proceedings against the Brazilian Football Association (CBF) and the Argentinian Football Association (AFA),” world football’s governing body said in a statement on Friday.
Brazil face sanctions for “potential breaches of article 17” of FIFA’s disciplinary code, which regulates order and security at matches.
Argentina, who inflicted the Brazilians’ first-ever home defeat in qualifying for a World Cup, face sanctions for the “crowd disturbance” and “delayed kick-off”.
The two teams risk fines as well as international home matches with partial or total closure of their stadium, the two most common sanctions.
Argentina are on top of the South American World Cup qualifying standings with 15 points from six games.
Brazil’s third defeat of qualifying, meanwhile, leaves the five-time world champions in sixth place with seven points from six games.
Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji has commended voters for their participation in Saturday’s governorship election…
Content creator and influencer Davrel has claimed that Afrobeats star Davido gifted him a new…
No fewer than six persons have been confirmed dead in an accident at the Ibadan…
Nigerian singer Ayra Starr has revealed that she believes she would be unemployed and still…
The management of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti has suspended two students over allegations of cyberbullying…
The All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the Ondo South Senatorial District by-election, Prof. Dayo…
This website uses cookies.