Brazil may face points deduction or be forced to play in empty stadium after violent clashes in World Cup qualifier against Argentina

Brazil lost to Argentina 1-0

After the mayhem that accompanied their 1-0 loss to bitter rivals Argentina at the Maracana, Brazil may lose a point or have to play in an in empty stadium

Before the game, rival fans got into a huge riot in the stands, and when they got into a fight with the police, kickoff had to be postponed for thirty minutes.

While a few players from both teams went up to the bleachers to attempt to settle down the supporters, Emiliano Martinez, the custodian for Argentina, leapt up to slap a baton out of the hands of the police before being tackled by his teammates.

According to Article 17 of the FIFA administrative rule, "hosts clubs and associations are responsible for order and security before, during, and after matches," the Brazilian Football Confederation may be punished.

The hosts are furthermore 'liable for events of any kind' that occur. According to the Brazilian newspaper Globo, FIFA is planning to launch an inquiry into the incidents that occurred.

FIFA's disciplinary rule lacks specific penalties, but according to Globo, there may be fines, having to play a match or games without spectators, having to play on a neutral pitch, or even having points deducted.

Brazil, who currently sits sixth out of 10 teams in World Cup qualifying after only collecting seven points from their first six games, might suffer greatly from a points reduction.

Only six South American nations advance straight to the World Cup, with the remaining seven teams competing in an Interconfederation play-off.

Gianni Infantino, the president of FIFA, bemoaned the assaults at the Maracana in an Instagram post. The altercation involving opposing fans at the Maracana earlier this week is still under investigation.