By Samindra Kunti
April 15 – The tug of war between FC Barcelona and the Brazilian FA (CBF) over where Neymar plays this summer is continuing with the CBF insisting on Neymar playing both the centenary Copa America in the US and the Olympic Games in Rio.
The Brazilian is of pivotal importance to both his club and country. He has become the centerpiece around which Brazil are rebuilding their national team following their disastrous 2014 World Cup performance. While at Barca he is the youngest member of the famed MSN trio, that have dominated the Spanish season.
Earlier this week the Catalans crashed out of the Champion League though after succumbing to Atletico Madrid over two legs with a petulant Neymar looking out of form and in need of a summer holiday. But he has nevertheless expressed his desire to play in both competitions with Brazil.
A CBF statement said: “The Brazilian Football Confederation received on Friday afternoon (April 8) a letter signed by the Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu, leaving clear the club’s position over the participation of Neymar in the competitions the Brazilian national team will contest in the coming months: the Centenary Copa America and the Rio 2016 Olympic Game.”
FC Barcelona are not obliged to release their Brazilian player for the Olympic football tournament in August because it’s not part of the FIFA calendar. The club wants Neymar to be present in pre-season to participate in their overseas camps and lucrative tours, and commercial activities.
The CBF reiterated its stance that Brazil want Neymar for both the Copa America and the Olympic Games and has asked Neymar to convince his club to release him for both tournaments.
With draws in World Cup Qualifying against both Uruguay and Paraguay, Brazil still has a lot to do to qualify for Russia 2018. This pressure has put coach Carlos Dunga’s job is on the line with the centenary Copa America representing an opportunity for him to get his team winning again, as well as presenting a significant marketing opportunity for the Brazil football brand.
The CBF and Brazil are similarly desperate to win Olympic gold for the first time at the Rio De Janeiro Olympic Games. Yesterday Brazil were paired with South Africa, Iraq and Denmark in the men’s Olympic football draw.
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