FIFA Commences Disciplinary Action Following Crowd Disruption at Brazil’s World Cup Qualifier Against Argentina.
The Match Stopped for 30 Minutes Due to Altercations in Maracana Stadium, Rio de Janeiro.
The national federations of both teams now face possible sanctions.
The disturbance started during the national anthems prior to Tuesday’s match.
Amidst police intervention, certain fans tore out seats and hurled them at officers, leading others to rush onto the field seeking safety.
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Players from both teams intervened, approaching the stands in an effort to defuse the situation—Emiliano Martinez,
the Aston Villa goalkeeper, was observed trying to disarm a police officer holding a baton.
Following the players’ departure from the field, the match commenced after a 30-minute delay.
Fifa confirmed on Friday:
“Fifa can confirm that its Disciplinary Committee has opened proceedings against the Brazilian Football Association (CBF) and the Argentinian Football Association (AFA).”
It added Brazil was being investigated for
“potential breaches of article 17” of Fifa’s disciplinary code, which deals with order and security at matches.
Argentina is facing disciplinary action over the “crowd disturbance” and the “delayed kick off”.
