The Brazilian Football Federation (CBF) and FC Barcelona are in a tug of war over forward Neymar Jr. The association has now issued a notice that they expect the player to be present at both the Copa America and the Rio Olympics.
Barcelona had, on Friday, sent a letter to CBF saying they would allow Neymar to participate only in one of the summer tournaments — Copa America or Rio Olympics.
The Copa is a tournament generally played once in four years, but is being changed this time round to celebrate the 100-year anniversary of the tournament and the CONMEBOL. Also, this is the first time that the Copa America will be played outside a South American country, scheduled to be held in USA in June. Just about a month later, the Brazilians are set to take part in the Rio Olympics.
But according to reports, Barcelona are not prepared to let Neymar compete in both the tournaments.
“The CBF received this Friday afternoon a letter signed by Barcelona president, Josep Maria Bartomeu, making clear the position of the club regarding Neymar’s participation in the competitions the national team will play in the coming months: The Copa America Centennial and the 2016 Olympics in Rio,” read an official statement from Barcelona on their official website. “The club accepts the release of the player for only one of the competitions.”
However, the players himself has said that he wants to take part in both the events, and the CBF seems to be trying to use this to change Barcelona’s mind. The association said they expect the player to take part in both the tournaments.
“The CBF, through the national team board, will do everything possible to have Neymar Jr. in the Copa America Centennial and the 2016 Olympic games in Rio,” the statement further read. “Neymar Jr. has already publicly announced his desire to participate in both competitions with the national team and we are counting, also, on his efforts with the club.”
Neymar a real doubt for Rio Olympics
While FIFA rules generally safeguard the national federation’s interests in this regard, the CBF may be rendered powerless if Barcelona do not want let Neymar got to the Olympics.
The Olympics is not a tournament that is regulated by FIFA, and thus football’s apex governing body cannot really step in.
However, Brazil are desperate to get their best available squad to the Olympics as they have never won it before. Also, the fact that the tournament is being held in Brazil this year makes it all the more important for the home side to win it.
