Brazil opt against Neymar appeal

Brazilian Football Federation decided not to appeal against his four-match ban.

NEYMAR’S Copa America is officially over after the Brazilian Football Federation decided not to appeal against his four-match ban.

The Selecao skipper was shown red in last week’s 1-0 loss to Colombia where he attempted to headbutt goal-scorer Jeison Murillo before verbally assaulting referee Enrique Osses.

The Barcelona star was given a four-match ban for his antics, with Brazil initially saying they would appeal, yet after a meeting between the player and coaching staff on Sunday night, the national federation have opted not to continue their pursuit to lessen the punishment.

“After a meeting that took place this Sunday night between Neymar and Brazil’s coaching staff, it was decided that CBF will accept Conmebol’s decision that suspended the player for four matches and therefore ended his Copa America campaign,” a statement read.

“Both staff and the player hope that the same rigour that Conmebol used to punish Neymar will be adopted on all competitions organised by the federation. In conclusion, the Brazil NT coaching staff is sorry for the loss of another important player for this year’s competition.”

Neymar had trained with his teammates over the weekend ahead of their clash against Venezuela, which they won 2-1 without the services of their talisman, yet the 23-year-old will now leave the Brazilian camp and miss the remainder of the tournament.

“Neymar will leave the Brazilian delegation that is concentrated at the Sheraton Hotel in Santiago this Monday,” the statement concluded.

Brazil will face Paraguay in their quarter-final match-up on Saturday evening.

Full Copa America Quarter-final fixtures:

Chile vs Uruguay

Bolivia vs Peru

Argentina vs Colombia

Brazil vs Paraguayt wide.