Brazil insists it will not play its suspended World next month’s cup qualifying match against Argentina, arguing on Wednesday that the risks are too high ahead of the tournament in Qatar.
About a year ago the qualifiers in So Paulo were stopped after six minutes by local health authorities about four Argentine players due to COVID-19 protocols.
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FIFA fined the football bodies of both countries and demanded that matches be played. The Brazilian Confederation and Argentina’s federation took the matter to the Court for Arbitration of Sport, which is expected to rule later in August. The game will take place in September but FIFA has not set a date.
Brazil’s coach Tite does not want to play the match due to the risk of injuries, suspension and a possible boycott of Argentina, according to Brazilian confederation president Ednaldo Rodrigues.
Brazilian media have reported that Selecao will play two friendlies in Europe.
“We will reach out to FIFA so this match is not played. I will do everything possible to respond to the request of our coaching staff,” Rodrigues said in a statement. “Our priority is to win the World Cup in Qatar. If Selecao’s coaching If that match is not recommended by the staff, we will work to prevent it from being played.”
Brazil and Argentina qualified regardless of the outcome of that suspended encounter.
In Qatar, Brazil is in Group G with Serbia, Switzerland and Cameroon. Argentina is in Group C along with Mexico, Poland and Saudi Arabia.
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