FIFA Punishes Lionel Messi’s Argentina With Hefty Fine & Bans 50% Fans For Next Game After Controversy vs Brazil

In November 2023, a violent brawl broke out between Argentina and Brazil fans during a World Cup qualifiers match at the Maracana Stadium, Rio de Janeiro. Then, the violence only caused a temporary halt to the match, which Argentina won eventually. However, the consequences of that unfortunate episode have now hit Lionel Messi and Co. in Argentina and their loyal fans. Besides that debacle, the Albiceleste fans invited FIFA’s wrath for their conduct during matches against Uruguay and Ecuador as well.

As per Albiceleste talk, FIFA has ordered the Argentine Football Association (AFA) to pay a fine of 70,000 Swiss Francs ($79,000) due to fans’ discriminatory behavior during home matches against Ecuador and Uruguay. Meanwhile, their conduct against Brazil is also part of the problem.

Besides the fine, FIFA has also demanded the Argentine team to leave at least 50% of their seats vacant in the next World Cup Qualifiers match they host. Lionel Messi and Co. host Chile in September, be sure that game won’t be a full house. Let alone fighting against rival fans, some Albiceleste faithful won’t be able to even cheer for Messi and Co.

The AFA also faces flak for delaying to start of the Argentina-Ecuador match. Nevertheless, Argentina is not the only side that bears the brunt. FIFA has made sure that Brazil also doesn’t escape the hellfire.

Brazil also bears a five-figure brunt!

FIFA has punished Brazil for its inability to maintain law and order in their home stadium, Maracana. Just like the Argentine fans who locked horns with Ecuador fans at home, Brazil fans are also called out for their discriminatory attitude. FIFA has demanded Brazil to invest 50,000 Swiss Francs ($59,000) in an education plan against discrimination. Nevertheless, Argentina and Brazil’s plight comes as no surprise.

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Earlier, FIFA had charged Chile with a $94,000 fine, and Colombia and Uruguay with a $35,000 fine for fans’ hostility towards guest supporters. Mali was also fined $23,000 for fan misconduct. During all these occasions, soccer’s governing body has made sure that the imposed fine is invested to end discrimination.

Anyhow, for Lionel Messi and Co. leaving a stadium half-filled is indeed a huge blow. What are your thoughts on fan rivalries breaking out into physical brawls? Tell us in the comments below.

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