It will be recalled that Tuesday’s match in Rio de Janeiro’s Maracana stadium, which world champions Argentina won 1-0, was delayed for around half an hour after rival fans started fighting before kickoff.
Brazil and Argentina fans started fighting behind one of the goals during the national anthems, prompting police to charge at the traveling contingent with batons drawn.
During the fight, fans of Argentina clashed with Brazilian police before the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup South American qualification football match between Brazil and Argentina at Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
The iconic stadium descended into chaos, as players tried in vain to get fans to stop the fray. The visiting world champions, led by captain Lionel Messi, went over to the terraces to try and calm the situation before leaving the pitch for more than 10 minutes to the dressing room, returning only after the violence had been quelled.
Police fought back the melee with batons, leaving some fans with bloodied faces and other injuries.
However, FIFA on Friday confirmed disciplinary proceedings have been opened into the crowd disturbances that caused a delay in the World Cup qualifier between Brazil and Argentina at the Maracana Stadium.
“FIFA can confirm that its Disciplinary Committee has opened proceedings against the Brazilian Football Association (CBF) and the Argentinian Football Association (AFA),” FIFA said in a statement on Friday.
Argentina face disciplinary action for potential breaches of ‘Articles 17.2 and 14.5’ of the FIFA disciplinary code related to crowd disturbance and delayed kick-off respectively.
FIFA added that Brazil are under investigation for potential violations of ‘Article 17’, which relates to maintaining order and security during matches.
The game started after the long delay and Argentina won 1-0 with a 63rd-minute header from defender Nicolas Otamendi.
