Brazil’s national soccer team does not want to repeat the World Cup qualifier against Argentina, which was canceled in September 2021 after a corona scandal.
The Brazilian association CBF will accept a corresponding proposal from FIFA and the Argentine association AFA, according to a CBF statement. The FIFA Appeals Committee had rejected both countries’ complaints in April, with the remaining game scheduled for September 22 in São Paulo.
According to the CBF, national coach Tite and national team coordinator Juninho Paulista had requested that the game not be played. It could have a negative impact on preparations for the World Cup, for example through injuries or suspensions. “Our priority is to win our sixth World Cup in Qatar,” CBF President Ednaldo Rodrigues said. “If the Seleção management does not recommend the game, we will do our best to ensure that it does not take place.”
The game was initially interrupted after a few minutes on September 5, 2021 in São Paulo and then stopped. At that time, officials from the Anvisa health authority had entered the field to take three Argentine players off for alleged violations of corona regulations. As a result, FIFA initiated disciplinary proceedings against both national associations. Both CBF and AFA appealed this decision.
Brazil and Argentina qualified first and second in South America for the World Cup in Qatar (November 21 to December 18).
