The US State Department has revoked the visa of Brazilian ambassador to Washington, Maria Luiza Ribeiro Viotti, further deepening a diplomatic crisis between the two countries, The New York Times reports.

This was a response to Brazil's decision to delay the confirmation of a new US ambassador and deny entry to a number of American diplomats.

According to a US official, however, Viotti will not be deported from the US, and her visa will be restored if Brazil accepts Daniel Perez as the next US ambassador to Brazil.

The Brazilian government has strongly criticized the US move and denied accusations of acting dishonestly, in turn accusing Washington of violating international law, since Perez's appointment took place before the completion of diplomatic vetting.