The Argentina and Brazil have agreed to a deal with FIFA to cancel the suspended World Cup qualifying game between both the teams at the expense of fine. The two countries' governing soccer bodies have mutually reached a deal with FIFA to cancel the match. The qualifier match between both the teams was stopped shortly after kickoff last September when Brazilian health officials intervened accusing four Argentinian players for breaking COVID-19 protocols.
Reportedly, FIFA had wanted the match to be played next month despite both the teams already qualifying for the World Cup in Qatar. After FIFA fined the soccer bodies of both countries and demanded the match to be played but Brazil confederation and Argentina's federation took the case to the Court for Arbitration of Sport, where all three parties agreed to deal to cancel the game.
While defending their stand, Brazil coach Tite and his Argentina counterpart Lionel Scaloni had argued the possible risks of injuries and suspensions ahead of the FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Reportedly, both team have agreed to pay CHF150,000, with half the amount suspended for a two-year probationary period and half going directly to the World Health Organization.
Also Read
After the decision, both teams are free to schedule September friendlies against different opponents. Brazil have not won the tournament since 2002 and were humiliated by Germany in the semi-finals despite being hosting the tournament in 2014. Meanwhile, Argentina were subsequently beaten in the final of 2014 edition.