FIFA orders Brazil and Argentina to play their abandoned World Cup qualifier, fines both football associations

Brazil vs Argentina qualifier was stopped by the medical officials in a dramatic manner when the chased Argentina’s England-based players on the pitch and escorted them out of the ground.

FIFA have ordered football associations of Argentina and Brazil to play their abandoned FIFA World Cup qualifiers. The FIFA Appeal Committee announced its verdict on Monday, 9 May, after considering the appeals filed by the countries' football associations.

The qualifier in September 2021 was suspended just minutes after kickoff in a dramatic manner when Brazilian health officials invaded the pitch and chased down Argentina's England-based players. The players were escorted off of the pitch over the allegations that they did not adhere to the Covid-19 guidelines of the country.

Both teams have already qualified for the World Cup in Qatar later this year, with Brazil topping the South American standings and Argentina finishing second.

But football's governing body FIFA had ruled in February that the match must be replayed.

"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 said in a statement.

"(It) also upheld the fine of 50,000 Swiss francs ($50,322) that was imposed on both associations as a result of the abandonment."

FIFA had also fined Brazil's FA (CBF) and Argentina's Football Association (AFA) 500,000 Swiss francs and 200,000 Swiss francs, respectively, for their failure to ensure "order and safety".