After reviewing the football associations’ arguments, the FIFA Appeal Committee concluded on Monday that the canceled World Cup qualifier between Brazil and Argentina must be replayed.
The qualification in September was called off minutes after it began when Brazilian health inspectors stormed the field, claiming that Argentina’s England-based players had broken the country’s COVID-19 quarantine laws.
Both countries have already qualified for the World Cup in Qatar later this year, with Brazil finishing first and Argentina second in the South American standings.
However, FIFA, football’s regulatory body, ordered the match to be replayed in February.
“After analysing the submissions of both parties and considering all circumstances of the case, the Appeal Committee confirmed that the match would be replayed,” FIFA said in a statement.
“(It) also upheld the fine of 50,000 Swiss francs ($50,322) that was imposed on both associations as a result of the abandonment.”
FIFA had also fined Brazil’s FA (CBF) and Argentina’s Football Association (AFA) 500,000 Swiss francs and 200,000 Swiss francs, respectively, for their failure to ensure “order and safety”.
However, the Appeal Committee said it had decided to reduce the fine on the CBF by 250,000 Swiss francs while the fine on the AFA had been reduced by 100,000 Swiss francs.
Last month the AFA had said they would take their appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
Brazil and Argentina are also set to meet in a friendly international at Melbourne Cricket Ground in June.
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