"Even at this altitude of 4,000 meters, we played against the referees, the police, and the ball boys, who were taking the balls off the field and putting them on the field. It was a real mess. This isn't what we expect for world football or South American football. What we want is to grow even further. This kind of attitude, especially when playing at altitude, is difficult. I hope CONMEBOL takes action, precisely because we have everything recorded. This can't happen; it's absurd."
"Officials have to control that,"
"Not players, coaches, or the president."
Brazil lost 1-0 to Bolivia in a World Cup qualifier in El Alto, their first match under coach Carlo Ancelotti. Miguel Terceros converted a penalty in first-half stoppage time after a VAR review, allowing Bolivia to advance to the 2026 playoff tournament. Brazil had already secured qualification for next year’s World Cup. Delegation leaders accused referees, local police and ball boys of anti-competitive conduct at 4,000 metres, citing delays, balls thrown onto the pitch and mistreatment on arrival. Ancelotti confronted officials at halftime on camera. Federation president Samir Xaud urged CONMEBOL to act and said recordings document the incidents.
Read at ESPN.com
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