Barcelona have sent a letter to the Brazilian football association (CBF) detailing that they will only release Neymar for one of the Olympics or Copa America Centenario. The CBF have acknowledged the recipt of this letter but have vowed to ensure that they securethe services of Neymar for both tournaments.
The latest in the saga of the tug-of-war between Barcelona and Brazil over Neymar continues, as the Catalan club are loathe to release a player who has already played 40 games for the club across 4 competitions, in addition to his national team duties.
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Neymar would ideally be due a rest this summer, but with the Copa Americao Centenario, scheduled from 4th to 27th June, being immediately followed by the Summer Olympics in Rio from 5th to 21st August, Barcelona face the prospect of an overworked and fatigued Neymar next season.
Since the Olympics are not a senior FIFA tournament, Barcelona are not required to release Neymar to play. However, given that the Olympics take place in Brazil, with the Selecao having never won the gold medal, the CBF have prioritized the Olympics over the Copa America Centenario.
The CBF released the following statement, after Barcelona let it be known that they will only allow Neymar to play in a single summer tournament.
The Brazilian football federation 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 dispute in the coming months: The Copa America Centenario and the 2016 Olympics in Rio.
The club accepts the release of the player for only one of the competitions.
The CFB, through the national team board, will do everything possible to have Neymar Jr. in the Copa America Centenario and the 2016 Olympic games in Rio.
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.
Earlier in the week, Josep Maria Bartomeu, Barcelona’s president had said that it was ‘next to impossible’ to convince Barcelona to let Neymar play in both tournaments, despite Brazil national team coach Dunga travelling to Barcelona to convince the Catalans to let the 24 year old play.
Given that Neymar has previously stated in public that he wants to play for Brazil in both tournaments, the CBF have a strong bargaining chip to fight with, although this coul place a further strain between Barcelona and Neymar, who already have a contract negotiation ongoing.
