Brazil may suffer a point deduction or be forced to play behind closed doors. It comes after the ensuing chaos that accompanied their 1-0 loss to archrivals Argentina at the Maracana. A major riot broke out in the stands before the game between opposing fans, who then clashed with police.
Some players from both teams approached the stands to try to calm down the crowd. Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez even rushed into the seats to slap a baton out of the hands of an officer before being stopped by his teammates. As a result, the kickoff was delayed by half an hour.
According to the Daily Mail, the Brazilian Football Confederation may face sanctions as a result of this. According to Article 17 of the FIFA’s disciplinary rule, “hosts clubs and associations are responsible for order and security before, during and after matches.” It goes on to say that hosts are ”liable for incidents of any kind’ that occur.”
Brazilian newspaper Globo reported that FIFA is planning to launch an inquiry into the incidents that occurred. While FIFA’s disciplinary policy does not specify exact sanctions, Globo claims that penalties may include fines. It may include playing one or more games without supporters, playing on a neutral pitch, or even losing points.
A point deduction might be detrimental for Brazil, who has only earned seven points from its first six World Cup qualifiers. They are now sixth out of ten teams. Only six South American sides will automatically qualify for the World Cup. The seventh-placed team advances to an Inter-confederation playoff.
The cause of the confrontation among opposing fans at the Maracana earlier this week remains unknown. Fans were spotted pulling chairs from the stands and hurling them at opposing fans. Rio de Janeiro police quickly responded, but were unable to stop the violence before unleashing batons on the clashing spectators. An enraged Messi eventually led his team back into the locker rooms amid the chaos before publicly lashing out at the mismanagement.
