Brazil insisted it will not play the World Cup qualifier against Argentina next month, arguing that the stakes are too high ahead of the tournament in Qatar.
Qualifiers were suspended nearly a year ago in Sao Paulo by local health officials, after six minutes due to COVID-19 protocols relating to four Argentine players.
The International Football Association (FIFA) fined the football federations in both countries and demanded that the match be held. The Brazilian Football Confederation and Argentina have taken the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, and a ruling is expected later in August. The match will be held in September, but FIFA has not set a date.
Brazilian Confederation President Edenaldo Rodriguez said that Brazil coach Tite does not want to play the match due to the risk of injury, suspension and possible boycott by the Argentines.
Brazilian media reported that Selecao preferred to play two friendlies in Europe.
“We will contact FIFA so that this match cannot be played,” Rodriguez said in a statement. “I will do everything in my power to respond to the request of our coaching staff. Our priority is to win the World Cup in Qatar.”
Brazil and Argentina qualified regardless of the outcome of that suspended meeting.
In Qatar, Brazil is in Group G along with Serbia, Switzerland and Cameroon. Argentina is in Group C along with Mexico, Poland and Saudi Arabia.
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