SYDNEY, March 21, 2022 (AFP) – Australia coach Graham Arnold has been fined 25,000 Australian dollars (R$91,000) for not respecting isolation rules after testing positive for Covid-19, he said on Monday. declare. in a statement.
The FFA advises that Arnold will not stop leading the selection for the 2022 World Cup qualifier against Japan next Thursday if he presents a negative PCR test before the match.
According to 2GB Radio, three days after testing positive, the trainer was seen walking his dog without a mask on the outskirts of Sydney.
Rules in force in the state of New South Wales require strict isolation of seven days for those who test positive for COVID-19, and therefore cannot leave home to buy medicine or in an emergency.
The FFA also reported that the coach apologized for an “error in judgment”.
“I will also accept the sanctions that result from this mistake,” Arnold said.
The fine amount will go to a special Red Cross fund to help flood victims on Australia’s east coast.
The Australian team has two deciding games to make it to the World Cup in Qatar, against Japan in fifth and against Saudi Arabia in Group B of the Asian Qualifier on March 29.
Australia needs both wins to qualify directly for the World Cup. Otherwise, they will have to play repechage against the third-placed team in Group A.
DJW/HPA/Dr./CB
