NEYMAR is expected to skip Copa America amid an allegation of rape.
The Brazil superstar, 27, has been accused of a sexual attack on a woman at a Paris hotel – a claim he denies.
Neymar steps off his £10m personalised helicopter and heads into Brazil training
He had been training with his Samba team-mates ahead of South America’s major tournament.
But according to Francisco Novelletto, the vice president of the Brazilian FA (CBF), the Paris Saint-Germain striker is likely to duck out of the competition.
The supremo said: “If I had to bet, I would say he will ask to forfeit.
“He is not in the psychological condition to compete in Copa America and face an armada of journalists.
“It would be a good thing for the CBF, for him and for the tournament.
“Supporters have already criticised him because of his simulation, so imagine if he misses passes and he is not good in the first game?
“I speak for myself, but if Neymar comes and asks not to play, it would be common sense for the CBF to accept his forfeit.”
RAPE ACCUSER DROPPED BY LAWYER
Brazil are hosting the Copa America this year and kick off the tournament on June 14 against Bolivia.
The Sun reported that the woman who accused Neymar of rape has been dropped by her lawyer after he claims she changed her story.
A medical examination carried out on May 21 – six days after the alleged rape – revealed the woman had bruising on her legs and buttocks and was also suffering from post-traumatic stress.
Now, her lawyer has told O Globo TV that she initially said that she had only been physically assaulted by the footballer.
José Edgard da Cunha Bueno Filho said he only heard about the rape claim when she made it in a formal complaint to police on May 31.
It has also emerged the football star could face jail for posting X-rated photos while attempting to defend himself against rape allegations.
The PSG forward uploaded a string of WhatsApp photos and messages from his alleged victim on Sunday in an attempt to suggest her allegations were a “set-up.”
Despite dropping into Brazil training, the vice president of the Brazil FA believe Neymar will declare himself unfit to play amid rape allegations
Neymar, pictured in training today, has strenuously denied the rape allegations levelled at him
