Brazil and Argentina had their World Cup Qualifier match called off after only 7 minutes of gameplay. The long awaited clash of two South American titans had to come to an end after Brazilian Federal Police stormed the pitch to detain 4 Argentines who failed to disclose they are based in Britain, therefore breaking COVID protocols upon entering Brazil. The 4 players include; Giovanni Lo Celso, Emiliano Buendia, Emi Martinez and Sergio Romero.
Government rules in Brazil state that any person that had been in the UK and was entering the country had to be isolated for 14 days. Two hours before kick-off, the Brazilian health authorities demanded the immediate deportation of UK based players with regards of Covid-19 protocols. Lo Celso, Romero, Martinez and Buendia skipped quarantine three days ago, under the impression they qualify under elite sportsmen but it's believed the rules apply to anybody travelling from the UK. All four players were snapped together on their private jet to South America earlier this week.
The Argentinian FA, who have recently 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 but there has clearly been a huge misinterpretation of the strict rules that must be followed. Following a huge commotion, Argentina then walked off the field of play, led by captain Lionel Messi, who at one point was captured with his head in his hands.