Fifa World Cup: 6,000 Argentinian fans barred from stadiums in Qatar

Among those included in the ban are people found guilty of violent acts and those who owe child maintenance payments

HOW ARGENTINA QUALIFED FOR WORLD CUP 2022: October 8, 2020. Argentina 1 (Messi pen 13’) Ecuador 0: Three points to kick-off the campaign thanks to Lionel Messi’s first-half penalty that extended their unbeaten run under manager Lionel Scaloni to eight games. "It was important to start with a win because we know how difficult the qualifiers are and all the matches are going to be as hard as this one," Messi said. Getty

October 13, 2020. Bolivia 1 (Moreno 24’) Argentina 2 (La. Martinez 45’, J Correa 79’): A late goal from Joquin Correa helped Argentina come from behind to earn their second win on the spin and their first victory in Bolivia since 2005. "We knew what this game meant to us because of its history," striker Lautaro Martinez said. "We're not going to deny that it's difficult to play here. I think this team showed lots of heart and lots of brains. We're very happy." Getty

November 12, 2020. Argentina 1 (Gonzalez 41’) Paraguay 1 (A Romero pen 21’): Argentina recovered from a goal down but dropped their first points of the campaign. Messi saw a second-half goal disallowed by VAR for a foul early in move. Defender Nicolas Otamendi said: “In the first half we were a bit uncomfortable with the pressure but … we spent almost the entire second period in their half of the field. We got the goal but unfortunately it didn't stand." Getty

November 17, 2020. Peru 0 Argentina 2 (Gonzalez 17’, La. Martinez 28’): A comfortable win thanks to goals from Nico Gonzalez and Lautaro Martinez. The win moved Argentina into second in the table, two points behind leaders Brazil. “Happy with the victory, we needed it after the game we played the other day [against Paraguay],” Lionel Messi said via Argentina’s Twitter account. “From the beginning we had a great match, the goals came and we created many, many chances.” Getty

June 3, 2021. Argentina 1 (Messi pen 23’) Chile 1 (Sanchez 36’): Honours even in Santiago del Estero in what was Argentina's first competitive outing since November with both teams looking rusty. "It's been a long time since we played together," Messi, who scored a first-half penalty after Lautaro Martinez was fouled, said. “It was a difficult game as always against Chile, happy with the result and performance even though we couldn't get the victory." Getty

June 8, 2021: Colombia 2 (Muriel pen 51’, Borja 90+4’) Argentina 2 (Romero 3’, Paredes 8’): The visitors were 2-0 up in first 10 minutes after goals from Cristian Romero and Leandro Paredes, only for Colombia to fight back and earn a late point thanks to substitute Miguel Borja. "I think we had the chances," said Argentina midfielder Rodrigo De Paul "They have a great goalkeeper. We're not happy with a draw." Getty

September 2, 2021. Venezuela 1 (Soteldo pen 90+4’) Argentina 3 (La. Martinez 45+2’, J Correa 71’, A Correa 74’): Argentina extended their unbeaten run to 21 games. The home side went down to 10 men in the first half after Adrian Mertinez was shown a straight red for fouling Lionel Messi. "I think we had a great first half, even before they were left with a man less," said Lautaro Martinez. "After the goal we had more space to work in and we are taking all three points home." AFP

September 5, 2021. Brazil v Argentina (match abandoned): Chaotic scenes as the match was called-off after five minutes when Brazilian health officials invaded the pitch to stop Argentina's England-based players from playing, saying they had breached the country's Covid-19 quarantine rules. Lionel Scaloni said: "I'm not looking to find any guilty parties. Whether something happened or not, it wasn't the right time for that intervention.” Reuters

September 9, 2021. Argentina 3 (Messi 14’, 64’, 88’) Bolivia 0: Lionel Messi’s brilliant hat-trick moved him above Pele as South America’s top international scorer with 79 goals in what was his seventh treble for the national team. “I really wanted to be able to enjoy it,” Messi said. “I waited a long time for this, I looked for it and I dreamt of it. It’s a unique moment for the way it happened after so much waiting.” Reuters

October 7, 2021. Paraguay 0 Argentina 0: The visitors fail to score in a match for the first time since June 2019 but remain unbeaten in qualifying. “We had some good moments," said Argentina defender Nicolas Tagliafico. "We maybe struggled to control the game. There were times when Paraguay came at us and were dangerous.” Reuters

October 10, 2021. Argentina 3 (Messi 38’, De Paul 44’, La. Martinez 62’) Uruguay 0: An easy win was started thanks to a fluke goal from Lionel Messi when his pass from 35 metres out into the area managed to sneak straight into the net. "We played a great game," said Messi. "Everything worked out perfectly. Uruguay wait for you and they generate danger. Once we got the first goal we started to find space and the goals appeared." AFP

October 14, 2021. Argentina 1 (La. Martinez 43’) Peru 0: Another win for Argentina, although they were thankful that Yoshimar Yotun missed a penalty when his strike clipped the crossbar and flew over. The win left Scaloni’s team three points behind leaders Brazil. "Those that take penalties are the great players and the rest is luck," said Argentine goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez. AFP

November 12, 2021. Uruguay 0 Argentina 1 (Di Maria 7’): An early goal from Angel Di Maria was enough to earn three points as Uruguay put up more of a fight than their weak capitulation in October. "Winning today was a gigantic step. We deserve this, we have worked for this," goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez said. "They needed points, playing here was hard. This Argentina has amazing courage, and when we don't play well we have to win anyway." AFP

November 16, 2021. Argentina 0 Brazil 0: Honours even in a tense game that maintained both teams’ unbeaten records and saw Argentina join their opponents in securing a place at the finals in Qatar. Lionel Scaloni said: "Winning the Copa, qualifying for the World Cup unbeaten - it was a dream. Having qualified so far in advance, in a really difficult qualifying section, is something we should be proud of." AFP

January 27, 2022. Chile 1 (Brereton 21’) Argentina 2 (Di Maria 10’, La. Martinez 34’): Lionel Messi and Lionel Scaloni were missing after Covid infections but it did not stop Argentina winning again to make it 28 games without defeat. "We knew it was going to be difficult at high altitude and after a long flight," said Angel Di Maria. "Everything is always much easier when Leo is here. We were without the best in the world and our coach as well but we got the victory.” Reuters

February 1, 2022. Argentina 1 (La. Martinez) Colombia 0: The match brought together a home side that had not conceded a goal in their last four home matches and a Colombian team that had not scored in their last six qualifiers. "No matter who plays nothing changes," said winger Angel Di Maria. "We remain the same, with the same mentality. We show sacrifice and humility.” Reuters

March 25, 2022. Argentina 3 (Gonzalez 34’, Di Maria 79’, Messi 82’) Venezuela 0: The home side were without four players suspended for breaching Covid-19 quarantine rules ahead of September's suspended game against Brazil but still ran out comfortable winners. “We are very happy,” said midfielder Rodrigo De Paul. “We love playing in this shirt. The best thing about this group is that it treats every game as a final. This is what it's all about. Never letting up.” Reuters

March 29, 2022. Ecuador 1 (Valencia 90+3’) Argentina 1 (Alvarez 24’): Argentina finish the campaign unbeaten, although were denied all three points by Enner Valencia’s injury-time leveller. Lionel Scaloni said: "Today's game was played on a field that was not in good condition – it was almost impossible to play on the ground – even so, we had a good first half, but in the second they came at us." AP

About 6,000 Argentinian fans, identified by authorities in their home country, will not be allowed to enter football stadiums in Qatar during the World Cup tournament, an official from the South American country has said.

Marcelo D’Alessandro, the Minister of Justice and Security of the city of Buenos Aires, told local radio in an interview that, of the 6,000 fans who have been barred from entering grounds, close to 1,600 are from the capital.

“We want to return peace to football and ensure that the violent ones are out,” said Mr D’Alessandro said.

"They were included for belonging to the barras [violent fan groups], for participating in violent acts, for illicit associations such as 'trapitos' [banned street businesses] and for owing child maintenance payments."

He said 1,547 supporters of four main clubs in Buenos Aires, known to be involved in fighting or other public disorder offences during football matches, have been barred from entering the stadiums.

More than 30 per cent of the fans are from River Plate, 25 per cent support Boca Juniors while 25 per cent are affiliated with Velez Sarsfield and 8 per cent follow the San Lorenzo club.

Officials in Buenos Aires said the restrictions were enforced after months of surveillance work and intelligence-gathering before the tournament.

Mr D’Alessandro added that local officers from Argentina will assist in patrolling the matches for those who have been banned.

"As always in the World Cups, delegations of different police bodies will be sent to work together with the Qatari security authorities," he said.

Doha is expected to host millions of fans from around the world when the tournament beings on November 20 and has already sold nearly 3 million match tickets.

Argentina are among the tournament favourites and begin their challenge on November 22 against Saudi Arabia. They play against Mexico four days later and finish their group games against Poland on November 30.

A ban on Argentinian supporters follows similar measures taken elsewhere to ensure the World Cup is played out free from fan violence.

Last month British authorities announced a World Cup travel ban for more than 1,300 known hooligans.

Those who fail to hand over their passport and attempt to travel to the tournament without permission between November 10 and the end of the World Cup on December 18, will face up to six months in prison and a fine.

The 23 new stars to watch out for at the 2022 Qatar World Cup - in pictures

Charles De Ketelaere - Belgium. Ten caps since emerging on to the scene at the age of 21. Last campaign saw the midfielder net 18 goals for Club Brugge. After signing for AC Milan in the summer, he is a regular and could be lining up alongside Kevin de Bruyne in Qatar. EPA

Vinicius Junior - Brazil. Part of Brazil's formidable pack of forwards. The 22-year-old, who netted the winner against Liverpool in the Champions League final last season, is expected to light up the tournament under manager Tite. Getty

Danilo - Brazil. The 21-year-old is a regular for Palmeiras and previously picked up the adidas Bronze Ball at the Fifa Club World Cup against Chelsea for being the third best player. Inspired by Ronaldinho, he is ready to play his part for his country, after telling Fifa: 'I think Tite will be able to call on the best to become world champions. Of course, if needed, I’ll be there.' Reuters

Rodrygo - Brazil. The 21-year-old continues to shine in the white of Real Madrid, winning La Liga, Spanish Supercup and the Champions League, while scoring nine goals and providing 10 assists last season. Given his flashes of brilliance, he is a star every side would want at their disposal. Reuters

Alphonso Davies - Canada. The 22-year-old is certainly up there as being arguably one of the best left-back’s in world football. Davies, has won every club trophy available since joining Bayern Munich in 2019, and has now helped his country to qualify for their first World Cup since 1986. 'Look around, look around you. Look at this, we created this. This didn’t exist before we were here,' the Ghana-born star said after his side qualified. AP

Luka Sucic - Croatia. Last season saw Sucic score 11 times for Red Bull Salzburg in Austria. The 20-year-old, who has previously been linked with a move to Liverpool, has already been hailed the heir to Mateo Kovacic and is expected to be a key figure for his side in Qatar. EPA

Josko Gvardiol - Croatia. Subject of interest from Chelsea in the summer, with a fee £77m having been discussed. The 20-year-old centre-back eventually ended up staying at Red Bull Leipzig but should he impress in Qatar, a move away in the near future, perhaps to the Premier League, is likely. EPA

Moises Caicedo - Ecuador. The 21-year-old midfielder will be keen to carry his club form with Brighton to his national team. Linked with a move to Liverpool and Chelsea, he will certainly be one to watch. 'I want to have a great World Cup and after that we will see what happens,' he said. 'I think they are one of the best teams in the world and no one would turn down an offer from Chelsea or a club like them.' AFP

Piero Hincapie - Ecuador. Joined Bayer Leverkusen from Argentinian side Talleres in the summer, and the 20-year-old continues to impress. 'I will always give my best for Ecuador, and I believe we can get out of the group, it will be tough, but we can do it,' the defender said. AFP

Jude Bellingham - England. Likened to Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard, the talented 19-year-old Borussia Dortmund star continues to be linked with a move to Anfield and will certainly be one to keep an eye on in Qatar. AP

Aurelien Tchouameni - France. After signing for Real Madrid for $100million from Monaco in the summer, the Frenchman is Los Blancos’ newest midfield recruit. A tough central midfielder who is also able to provide in attack and create chances and could take the place of the injured N’golo Kante in Didier Deschamps’ XI. AP

Eduardo Camavinga - France. One of Europe’s most talented teenagers, and is expected to be part of the midfield set-up. After signing for Real Madrid in a deal worth €40million at the age of 19, he certainly has all the attributes to be a huge success in Qatar. PA

Jamal Musiala - Germany. One of the standout players for Bayern Munich over the past two seasons. The 19-year-old is a regular for the Bavarian giants, and the Stuttgart-born attacking midfielder has previously talked up his chances of being involved in Qatar. 'I believe in myself! But it doesn’t matter whether I’m in the starting XI or a sub, I want to be ready and help the team. I want to help us get far.' Getty

Marcelo Flores - Mexico. The 19-year-old midfielder, on-loan at Real Oviedo from Arsenal, chose to play for Mexico over England. 'Do I want to go to the World Cup? Sure. What Mexican kid doesn't dream of going to a World Cup?.' AFP

Ryan Gravenberch - Netherlands. Has emerged as one of the best young midfielders in Europe. Bayern Munich secured the signature of the 20-year-old from Ajax in the summer, beating off stiff competition from the likes of Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United. 'Although he is very young, he is already a great player,' said former Manchester United defender Jaap Stam. AFP

Nicola Zalewski - Poland. Proving wise beyond his years at Roma, and will be keen to kick on at the World Cup. Jose Mourinho started the 20-year-old in the Europa Conference League final after his debut in 2021, and the seven-cap gem made his Poland bow in September. AFP

Nuno Mendes - Portugal. The 20-year-old left-back joined Paris Saint-Germain from Sporting Lisbon on a permanent deal in the summer, after a one year on-loan with the Parisian giants. Mendes has forced his way into the first team, becoming a regular under new boss Christophe Galtier. Will provide the much needed width for Portugal boss Fernando Santos. EPA

Pape Matar Sarr – Senegal. Having joined Tottenham from Metz at the end of the 2020-21 season, the 20-year-old had been lighting up Ligue 1, which prompted Spurs to secure his signature. The winger played a role in Senegal’s Africa Cup of Nations win earlier in 2022, and is one who could light up the tournament. AFP

Dusan Vlahovic - Serbia. The striker burst onto the scene while playing for Fiorentina - having scored 49 goals in 108 matches in Serie A. Joined Juventus after Cristiano Ronaldo’s exit, and is another to look out for. AFP

Gavi - Spain. Having put pen to paper on a long-term deal to remain at Barcelona, Gavi is destined to play a key role in Qatar. Former Barca coach Luis Enrique, now manager of La Roja, is a huge fan of the talented teenager. '[Gavi is] an erupting volcano. It is very difficult not to fall in love with Gavi. Any fan wants to see him play.' Reuters

Pedri - Spain. Like Gavi, he is a regular for Barca and the 19-year-old has already been likened to Xavi due to his playing style. 'Look, he’s an extraordinary player. Don’t skimp on the praise for him,' Xavi said. 'He’s a player that excites me and one that can make a difference.' Reuters

Ansu Fati - Spain. Spain certainly have one huge talent on their hands. Having broken several records, his highlights are becoming Barca’s youngest ever goalscorer, and in Champions League history. The 20-year-old, if he can keep himself fit, can certainly make an impact for his country. AP

Ricardo Pepi - USA. The 19-year-old forward is currently on-loan at FC Groningen in the Eredivisie, from German side Augsburg. AP