FIFA Investigate Commotion In Brazil And Argentina Matches

Tango's team won minimally with a score of 1-0 over Brazil. (Doc. INSTAGRAM @aphaseleccion)

JAKARTA The FIFA international football body opened a disciplinary process against the crowd commotion that bought up Brazil's 2026 World Cup qualifying match against Argentina.

The match between hosts of Brazil hosting Argentina was held at the Maracana Stadium, Rio de Janeiro, Wednesday, November 22 yesterday.

The kick-off of the match, which Argentina finally won with a narrow score of 1-0, was held for 30 minutes due to a commotion between supporters in the stands.

This issue makes the Brazilian and Argentine football federations face possible sanctions if the FIFA investigation proves they are guilty.

"FIFA confirms that the Disciplinary Committee has opened the process against the Brazilian Football Association (CBF) and the Argentine Football Association (AFA)," the FIFA statement said.

The commotion started just when the national anthem of the two countries was sung. The police then intervened and were seen attacking Argentine fans with batons.

The repressive actions of the authorities made several supporters fight back. They removed the stands and threw them at the security officers. Meanwhile, some supporters who do not want to be exposed to the risk of choosing to enter the field.

The commotion made the Argentine player re-enter the dressing room so that the kick started until the situation was conducive.

Before leaving the pitch, the players from both teams had approached the stands to try to help calm the situation. Argentine goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez was even seen trying to snatch the bat from the hands of a police officer.

Argentina captain Lionel Messi later said that a commotion like this was very likely to lead to a tragedy. He also criticized the police, who had attacked fans with batons.

FIFA added that Brazil is being investigated for a potential violation of Article 17 of the FIFA disciplinary code. This is related to order and security in matches.

Meanwhile, Argentina faces disciplinary action over disturbances from spectators and kick off delays. Sanctions for violations of regulations are usually in the form of fines or matches without spectators in the next matches.