FIFA charges Argentina and Brazil after fan violence delays World Cup qualifier at Maracana

FIFA has initiated disciplinary proceedings in relation to the crowd disturbances that prompted a delay in the World Cup qualifier between Brazil and Argentina at the Maracana Stadium on Friday.

FIFA charged the Argentine soccer federation with crowd disruptions and a late kick-off and the Brazilian federation of failing to manage security at a game it organized.

Brazil and Argentina supporters started fighting during the national anthems at Thursday’s game, prompting police to charge at the travelling contingent with batons drawn. 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.

“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.

Argentina’s team, led by captain Lionel Messi, approached the terraces in an attempt to defuse the situation before eventually leaving the pitch and going to the dressing room. The world champion Argentina team re-emerged after police intervened and gathered the rowdy fans into a designated area. The highly anticipated match between South America’s toughest football rivals began almost 30 minutes later than planned.

“There was family of the players (there). We were more worried about that than playing the match,” Argentina captain Lionel Messi said.

FIFA also stated that Brazil is being investigated for possible violations of ‘Article 17’, which deals with preserving order and security during matches. After a lengthy delay, Argentina triumphed 1-0 on a header from defender Nicolas Otamendi in the 63rd minute.