INTERNATIONAL: Sunday night’s World Cup qualifier between Brazil and Argentina was over almost as soon as it began. Just five minutes after kick-off, Brazil's health regulator, Anvisa, called off the match. Three Argentine players had apparently broken Covid-19 quarantine rules.
The players were as surprised as everyone else when masked health officials marched onto the pitch, barely five minutes after kick-off. Brazil is blaming miscommunication. The incident occurred just hours after Anvisa said four Argentine players had to isolate and could not play.
Cristian Romero, Giovani Lo Celso and Emiliano Martinez all play in England's Premier League, and together with Emiliano Buendida, having flown in from the UK, were supposed to have quarantined for 14-days. Brazil’s Football Confederation president said he was "indignant" about the shambles. Anvisa were apparently tipped off that the four lied on their immigration forms to avoid having to spend two weeks locked in a hotel room.
It was back to the team buses for Argentina and Brazil after an hour of discussion at the stadium. It is not known when the match will be replayed.
Photo: MOUNTED POLICE ARRIVING AT CORINTHIANS ARENA / PEOPLE LEAVING STADIUM / REPORTERS OUTSIDE STADIUM
