Barcelona have announced that they will only allow Neymar to play in the Olympics for Brazil this summer, but not the Copa América.
The Seleção will be involved in both tournaments this summer and the CBF and Dunga were hopeful of having Neymar available for both.
Technically, Barcelona cannot refuse to release Neymar for the Copa América as it is a FIFA tournament. However, the Olympics is not and the club can refuse to release players for the games.
Brazil slightly prioritise the Olympics, having never won the gold medal for football and with the games taking place in Rio de Janeiro.
Dunga and Barca manager Luis Enrique have held talks over recent weeks regarding the Brazil captain’s summer schedule, but Barcelona president Josep Bartomeu told journalists on Saturday that they would not countenance releasing their forward for two tournaments during the off season.
“It will be impossible to convince us [to release the player twice],” Bartomeu said, according to UOL Esporte. “We are aware of the importance [of the Copa America], but our view is that players need to have some rest after two strong seasons.
“We see no problem in Neymar playing at the Olympics,” he said. “The club would be enchanted, and I would take him if I were the Brazilian manager.”
Meanwhile, Bartomeu insisted the club are not worried about the player’s unresolved contract issue, “Barca don’t need to hurry. We won’t put pressure on the player, and instead we will allow him to focus on the competitions,” Bartomeu said.
“I know we won’t have problems because the player himself has already said he wants to stay. Our plan is to have him here until the end of his career.”
Credit: Sambafoot
Barcelona Won’t Release Neymar For Copa America
