Brazil and Manchester United winger Antony says the air conditioning inside Qatar’s World Cup stadiums has been making he and his teammates sick.
Tite’s squad were hit with a sickness bug ahead of their Group G match against Switzerland on Monday. As a result, Antony and several other players were unable to join in training.
Antony has accused the air conditioning inside the stadium for giving him and his teammates “a cough and a bad throat.”
Antony, who came on as a second-half substitute against Serbia and Switzerland, admits to feeling ill in the days leading up to their match against Murat Yakin’s team.
Speaking to ESPN Brazil, the £86million summer signing 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 has had flu-like symptoms. Lucas Paqueta and Alisson both missed training sessions due to illness.
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The eight stadiums used for the World Cup in Qatar have nozzles under the seats and massive air vents at the top of the stands.
The decision to add air conditioning into the stadiums was made in response to criticisms of the Gulf state’s temperatures.
However, both fans and players feel they have gone too far by pumping in an excessive amount of cold air.
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