The Culture & Clobber Axis: Yamal's new boots, Rashford & more

'Embarrassing' Walker has become the face of City's crisis

I miss Sam Kerr

EPL legend's son emerging as City's academy goal machine

Europe, Saudi or MLS? Rashford's potential destinations - ranked

What is Bayindir doing?! Man Utd comeback killed by goalkeeper gaffes

'Keep your mouth shut' - Carragher criticises Rashford for comments

Bayern thump Leipzig but Kane left frustrated on return

How to watch Usyk vs Fury 2 from anywhere

How Atletico Madrid became Europe's most in-form team

Amorim's first signing! Man Utd secure deal for Diego Leon

Pep must copy Klopp & walk away from City to remain the GOAT

Article continues belowArticle continues belowArticle continues below<script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Game in Rio delayed</li><li>Fans clashed with police</li><li>Punishment may be handed out</li></ul>

Points deduction for Brazil? 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign in jeopardy as FIFA open investigation into Maracana chaos condemned by Argentina captain Lionel Messi

The Selecao faced old adversaries at the Maracana in Rio de Janeiro on Tuesday. They slipped to a 1-0 reversal, in a game which saw Newcastle midfielder Joelinton sent off, but it was events in the stands which dominated the post-match headlines.

WHAT HAPPENED?

A <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/brazil-argentina-chaos-fan-arrested-racism-maracana/blt05e673e96e903ad7" target="_blank">mass brawl broke out between rival supporters</a> ahead of the game, with local police forces stepping in, and <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/brawl-in-crowd-forces-delay-of-argentina-s-world-cup-qualifier-at-brazil-as-lionel-messi-leads-team-mates-into-dressing-room/blt947098ee482259d6" target="_blank">Lionel Messi led his side off the pitch</a> before a ball was kicked – leading to the match being delayed by 30 minutes. Argentina goalkeeper <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/watch-emiliano-martinez-charges-police-officer-attempts-to-take-baton-argentina-brazil-chaos-fan-violence/bltc11ed74fe257d860" target="_blank">Emi Martinez also took matters into his own hands</a> as he leapt towards the crowd and slapped a baton from the hand of one of the officers considered to be acting with excessive force.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Eight-time Ballon d’Or winner <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/lionel-messi-calls-end-crazy-repression-argentina-fans-brazil-crowd-violence-albiceleste-victory-maracana/blt01adf7b6e85e9638" target="_blank">Messi said afterwards of the unfortunate episode</a>: “We saw how [police] were hitting the people, it already happened in the Libertadores final. They were more focused on that than on the game. We went to the locker room because it was the best way to calm everything down, a tragedy could have happened.”

WHAT MESSI SAID

According to <a href="https://ge.globo.com/futebol/selecao-brasileira/noticia/2023/11/22/fifa-vai-abrir-investigacao-sobre-atos-violentos-em-jogo-entre-brasil-e-argentina.ghtml " target="_blank">Globo</a>, Brazil could now face punishment. Article 17 of the FIFA disciplinary code states that “hosts clubs and associations are responsible for order and security before, during and after matches”, while adding that hosts are “liable for incidents of any kind”. There is no set procedure when it comes to sanctions, but an investigation is underway. It is possible that fines could be handed out, matches could be ordered to be played behind closed doors or, ultimately, a points penalty may be put in place.

DID YOU KNOW?

Brazil cannot afford to part with any of the points that they have picked up en route to the 2026 World Cup, as they <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/2024-copa-america-power-rankings/blt2832f40029cd1a71" target="_blank">only have seven to their name from six games</a>. They sit sixth in the CONMEBOL qualification table as a result – with the likes of Neymar and <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/vinicius-junior-injury-update-brazil-real-madrid-uruguay-defeat-showdown-lionel-messi-argentina/blte8343a26909a5c4c" target="_blank">Vinicius Junior missing crucial contests due to injury</a> – and face a battle to book their tickets to another FIFA showpiece that will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.

WHAT NEXT FOR BRAZIL?

Points deduction for Brazil? 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign in jeopardy as FIFA open investigation into Maracana chaos condemned by Argentina captain Lionel Messi | Goal.com Malaysia

Brazil reportedly face the threat of a points deduction following the chaotic scenes that marred their World Cup qualifying defeat to Argentina.