Brazil’s winger, Antony, has blamed the air conditioning in the stadiums for getting ill during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Tite’s side were hit with a sickness bug ahead of their Group G clash with Switzerland on Monday. As a result, Antony and several other players were ruled out of training.
Antony has blamed the air conditioning inside the stadium for giving him and his team-mates ‘a cough and a bad throat’.
Antony – who was used as a second-half substitute against Serbia and Switzerland – admits to feeling unwell in the days running up to their fixture with Murat Yakin’s side.
Speaking to media yesterday, the 22-year-old winger said: ‘It was a bit difficult. I ended up having a bad feeling there for a few days that complicated me a bit.
‘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.’
Antony is not the only player who experienced flu-like symptoms. Lucas Paqueta and Alisson both sat out of training at various points after claiming they felt ill.
The eight stadiums being used for the World Cup in Qatar have been fitted with nozzles placed under seats and giant air vents at the top of the stands.
The decision to incorporate air conditioning came into the stadiums came after criticisms over the temperatures in the Gulf state.
Given it can reach 50C (122F), event orgnaisers thought it would be important to keep the players cool during the tournament.
However, both the fans and the players feel they have over done it – pumping at an excessive amount of cold air.
Brazil are set to play their final Group G game against Cameroon on Friday evening.
