The world was ready to witness a clash of Titans match but it wasn’t going to happen as players from England were accused of breaking COVID protocols.
Brazil versus Argentina match was called off just five minutes after kick-off when the Brazilian officials said three players from Europe have violated covid protocols.
The visitors immediately walked off the pitch after officials came to stop the match.
The incident came hours after health officials from Brazil announced that four England-based players from Argentina had to quarantine.
The four players involved are Emiliano Martinez and Emiliano Buendia who play for Aston Villa Football Club, and Giovani Io Celso and Cristian Romero of Tottenham Hotspur.
Argentinian squad is due to leave in order to prepare for another World Cup Qualifying match against Bolivia on Friday, 10 September.
FIFA has confirmed the match postponement and said, “further details will follow in due course.”
The football governing body of South America, Conmebol, released a statement after one full hour of the postponement.
“By the decision of the match referee, he match organised by FIFA between Brazil and Argentina or the World Cup qualifiers is suspended.
“He referee and the match commissioner will submit a report to the FIFA Disciplinary Committee, which will determine the steps to be followed. These procedures strictly adhere to current regulations.”
Argentina boss Lionel Scalori was so disappointed by the turn of events.
“It makes me so sad” said Scalori. “I am not looking for the culprit. If something happened or did not happen, it was not the time to make that intervention.
“It should have been a party of everyone, to enjoy the best players in the world. I would like the people of Argentina to understand hat a s coach I have to defend my players.
“At no time we’re we notified that they couldn’t playtime match. We wanted to play the match, the Brazilian players too.”
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