Neymar stripped of Brazil captaincy for Copa America by boss Tite after number of discipline issues
NEYMAR has been sensationally stripped of the Brazil captaincy after a number of discipline issues off-the-field.
The PSG superstar was expected to lead his country out for next month’s Copa America, which takes place between 14 June and 7 July.
But boss Tite told the 27-year-old forward he would be replaced by club team-mate Dani Alves on Saturday.
He was only given the role eight-months-ago, but pressure from above has forced him into taking it away.
Alves, 36, will now lead Brazil out in friendlies against Qatar and Honduras next month in preparation for the competition.
Neymar was banned for three matches by Ligue 1 chiefs recently for hitting a fan following PSG’s defeat to Renness in the Coupe de France final.
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He has also been involved in a number of dressing room bust-ups with PSG team-mates, including Kylian Mbappe.
Brazil – the hosts of the Copa America – will take on Bolivia, Venezuela and Peru in Group A and go in as favourites.
Neymar has captained his country four times, the last being a 1-0 victory over Germany back in March 2018.