Brazil’s World Cup qualifier with Argentina erupted into chaos after ANVISA personnel and Brazilian Federal Police invaded the pitch and stopped the match to detain four Premier League players who allegedly lied about completing quarantine upon entry to the country. The storm has been brewing for the past few days with Tottenham duo Giovani Lo Celso and Cristian Romero plus Aston Villa pair Emiliano Martinez and Emiliano Buendia right at the centre of the controversy.
Two hours before kick-off, the Brazilian health authorities demanded the immediate deportation of Argentina’s four Premier League players, three of which were named in the starting XI.
It’s understood any non-Brazilian who has been in the United Kingdom within the past two weeks has to complete a mandatory 14-day period of isolation upon arrival in the country.
Lo Celso, Romero, Buendia and Martinez skipped quarantine three days ago, under the impression they qualify under elite sportsman but it’s believed the rules apply to anybody travelling from the UK.
The Argentinian FA, who have been in heated discussions with Premier League clubs over the handling of their international players, were under the impression the situation would not be a problem and there was a clear misunderstanding of the strict rules in place.
That’s why Lo Celso, Romero and Martinez were all named as starters but shortly after kick-off, the match transcended into chaos.
Seven minutes into the game, ANVISA personnel and the Brazilian Federal Police stormed the pitch to attempt to remove the wanted players from the field with view to immediate deportation.
Argentina then walked off the field of play, led by captain Lionel Messi.
Meanwhile, ANVISA personnel were still trying to get their hands on the four wanted players as they made their way back to the dressing room.
The Argentine FA have now confirmed the match is officially suspended.
Discussions are now understood to be ongoing behind the scenes at the stadium between ANVISA chiefs, CBF, the Argentine FA, federal police and CONMEBOL as to how the game is now played.
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