World Cup: Antony highlights major problem with tournament stadiums in Qatar | OneFootball

Brazil winger Antony has claimed that members of the country’s squad have become ill after playing matches at World Cup venues in Qatar.

The Selecao have already been rocked by an ankle injury to star forward Neymar, which could yet rule the Paris Saint-Germain man out of the tournament.

Boss Tite saw his side’s preparations for Monday’s 1-0 win over Switzerland hampered by the absence from training of Antony, Lucas Paqueta and Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson as all three sat out training at various points, complaining of flu-like symptoms.

The trio all eventually made it onto the pitch at Stadium 974.

Antony only managed a brief cameo from the bench, while Paqueta was withdrawn at half-time. Alisson played the full 90 minutes.

Brazil ultimately won the Group G encounter thanks to a late strike from Manchester United midfielder Casemiro. However, his club colleague Antony has taken aim at the host venues for leaving him and some of his teammates feeling under the weather.

Why are players falling ill at the World Cup in Qatar?

“It was a bit difficult. I ended up having a bad feeling there for a few days that complicated me a bit,” the 22-year-old told ESPN Brazil of his recent problems, per the Daily Mail.

The former Ajax star is in absolutely no doubt what caused his illness, either.

“I’m recovering well and getting 100 per cent. It was more of a sickness, throat. It was the air conditioning (in the stadiums).

“Not only me, but other players also had a cough and a bad throat.

“It’s very difficult for me to get sick, but I’m happy to be an important part of the team. Whenever you need Antony, I’m available,” he vowed.

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What’s the problem with the air conditioning systems in World Cup stadiums in Qatar?

When Qatar won the right to stage the World Cup 12 years ago, they agreed to spend millions installing high-tech cooling systems in each of the host venues so that players would be protected from the excessive heat in the Gulf state.

Giant air vents were placed at the top of stadiums to ensure that playing areas would stay cool in a region where temperatures can reach in excess of 50C during the day.

The problem? Organisers have gone overboard with the cooling systems. Fans have already complained about feeling the cold at matches – and now some of the world’s top players have echoed those sentiments.

In a tournament that forces teams to deal with a packed fixture schedule, the last thing that coaches want to see is players going down with colds and other similar ailments in the desert.

Brazil play Cameroon at 10pm local time on Friday evening in their final Group G fixture. With temperatures likely to lower later in the day, it remains to be seen if team officials will make a request to have the cooling system turned off.