Brazil withdraw Neymar appeal, striker to leave Copa America squad
Santiago, June 22 Brazil will continue their Copa America football campaign without the services of their star man Neymar following its decision to withdraw their appeal against the striker's four-match ban. The Brazil captain was suspended on Friday in the wake of Wednesday's 0-1 Group C loss to Colombia, during which he was shown a straight red card after the final whistle, having previously received his second booking of the tournament earlier in the match.
The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) have opted against trying to overturn the penalty that ruled the 23-year-old out for the remainder of the tournament in Chile.
"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 CBF statement read on Sunday.
"The Brazil coaching staff is sorry for the loss of another important player for this year's competition. Neymar will leave the Brazilian delegation that is concentrated at the Sheraton Hotel in Santiago this Monday."
The five-time world champions qualified for the quarter-finals as winners of Group C on Sunday after defeating Venezuela 2-1 in Santiago on Sunday, with Neymar watching from the stands.
Dunga's side will now face Group B runners-up Paraguay in the quarter-finals on Saturday, before a potential meeting with Argentina in the last four. Argentina face Colombia in a quarter-final on Friday.