Football`s world governing body, FIFA, has asked Brazil and Argentina to replay their abandoned 2022 World Cup qualifier despite having already secured a place in football`s showpiece tournament, to be held in Qatar later this year. The decision followed appeals from both the countries` football associations, according to a statement issued by FIFA.

The South American rivals had been scheduled to play the qualifier in September 2021 but the fixture was suspended minutes after kick-off because of alleged Covid-19 rule breaches by the Argentine side. Brazil and Argentina finished first and second, respectively, in the South American Zone qualifying standings for the World Cup, to be played in Qatar from November 21 to December 18.