Barcelona President To Prohibit Neymar From Playing In Copa America

FC Barcelona president Josep Bartomeu has revealed that he will not be allowing Neymar to play in the 2016 Copa America.

In an interview with UOL Esporte on Saturday, the club president revealed that Neymar will not be released to play in the 2016 Copa America tournament. Instead, the dazzling winger will be allowed to represent Brazil in the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio De Janeiro.

The reason behind this decision is to give the 24-year-old sufficient amount of time to rest during the off-season.

“It will be impossible to convince us (to release Neymar for both competitions),” said Bartomeu.

“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. The club would be enchanted, and I would take him if I were the Brazilian manager.”

With Neymar in their squad, Brazil will now be looking to win their first ever gold medal in Olympic football.