World Cup qualifier halted after health officials intervene

Sunday's World Cup qualifying match between Brazil and Argentina was suspended moments after kickoff. EFE

Brazil-Argentina World Cup qualifier match suspended after health officials intervene

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 9/5/21

Sunday's World Cup qualifying match between Brazil and Argentina was suspended moments after kickoff because Brazilian health officials objected to the participation of four Argentinian players who allegedly broke quarantine rules, according to Reuters (h/t ESPN).

The World Cup qualifier between Brazil and Argentina has been suspended after Brazilian Health authorities came out mid-game due to controversy over COVID protocols pic.twitter.com/zZDlSzFAqE
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) September 5, 2021

Emiliano Martinez, Cristian Romero and Giovani Lo Celso, who play in England's Premier League, are among the four players who allegedly Brazil's quarantine rules.

The players were advised to quarantine and immediately leave Brazil, but they did not and took the field for Sunday's game.

Having said that the information provided by the players was false, Brazil's health agency Anvisa advised the players to quarantine, viewed the situation as “a serious health risk” and informed the federal police.

The scene on the pitch:

@fuboTV pic.twitter.com/B0fztTbb3q
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) September 5, 2021

Brazilian rules state visitors who have been in England in the 14 days before entering the country must quarantine for 14 days upon arrival. The four players allegedly put false information on their immigration forms, stating they had not been in the UK.

At this point, it's unclear what will happen next. CONMEBOL said that the referee and match delegate will submit a report to FIFA's disciplinary committee.

Brazil currently leads the South American qualifying group for Qatar 2022, and the top four countries automatically qualify for the World Cup.

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