Manchester United striker Antony was suspended from the Brazilian national team on Monday in connection with a scandal linked to accusations of threats and violence made by his ex-girlfriend, facts denied by the player on social networks.
The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) said in a statement that “to protect the alleged victim, the player, the Brazilian national team and the CBF”, the striker has been “removed” from the start of South American qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.
Seleçao coach Fernando Diniz had called up Antony for the duels against Bolivia on September 8 in the Brazilian city of Belém, and Peru on September 12 in Lima.
Arsenal striker Gabriel Jesus has been called up to replace him.
Antony, 23, defended himself against the allegations on Monday, claiming on his Instagram account that he was “the victim of false accusations” by his ex-girlfriend Gabriela Cavallin.
“I can calmly say that the accusations are false and that the evidence already produced and that which will be produced prove that I am innocent,” pleaded the player, who participated in the World Cup in Qatar in 2022.
Alleged WhatsApp messages published by the Brazilian press on Monday revealed threats and acts of intimidation Antony allegedly made against his ex-girlfriend.
In one of the conversations quoted by local media, Antony’s ex-girlfriend claims that the attacker must apologize for the “kicking and attacking”. The response is “sorry” in the next message.
Ms Cavallin, who took the case to Sao Paulo police, is also pictured with a scalp injury.
Antony explained that their relationship was “tumultuous, with verbal insults on both sides” but nevertheless ensures that he “never resorted to physical aggression”. “At every moment, she presents a different version of the accusations,” defended the player. “I am convinced that the ongoing police investigations will prove the truth,” he concluded.
