Lionel Messi to play in front of a half-empty stadium in next game
FIFA punishes Argentina & Brazil for fan chaos in the 2026 World Cup qualifier at Maracana.
The Brazilian and Argentine football federations have both been fined by FIFA for a clash between fans ahead of their World Cup qualifying game played on 22nd of November 2023. The FIFA disciplinary panel fined Brazil 50,000 Swiss francs ($59,000) for failing to maintain law and order in Maracana. Argentina was fined 20,000 Swiss francs ($23,000) for causing chaos in or around the stadium.
Due to the fighting among fans at the Maracana Stadium in the Rio de Janeiro game between Brazil and Argentina in November, the kickoff was delayed by 27 minutes. Argentina captain Lionel Messi led the 2022 World Cup winners off the ground until the chaos was controlled. That game was won by Albiceleste by 1-0, giving Brazil its historic first-ever home defeat in World Cup qualifier.
Fine of 50,000 Swiss francs imposed on Argentina for misconduct by their fans at two previous World Cup qualifiers will be invested in a plan against discrimination which could be activated within the six months. Argentina have been ordered to play their next qualifier home game in a half empty stadium. Argentina will host Chile in September in their next FIFA World Cup qualifier.
Currently Argentina is leading the 10-team South American qualifying group after six matches. Brazil is surprisingly languishing down in sixth place with three losses. The top six teams in the group advance to the first 48-team World Cup, an expanded tournament which will be hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico in 2026.
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