Barcelona attacker Neymar will play for Brazil in the Olympics this summer in Rio on one condition: He can't suit up for his homeland in the Copa America.
Barca president, Josep Bartomeu, told reporters ahead of Saturday's El Clasico at the Camp Nou that the Catalans contacted the Brazilian Football Federation two weeks ago with instructions that Neymar may not participate in the Copa America.
"It will be impossible to convince us (to release the player twice)," Bartomeu said, according to UOL Esporte. "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."
Since the Olympics isn't a FIFA-organised tournament, clubs aren't obligated to release their players, and while the quadrennial games aren't typically a priority for footballers, Brazil is putting an emphasis on it this summer as the host nation.
"We see no problem in Neymar playing at the Olympics," Bartomeu said. "The club would be enchanted and I would take him if I were the Brazilian manager."
The Olympics take place in August, while the Copa America Centenario will be held in the United States this June, marking the 100th anniversary of the original tournament. The competition is merely ceremonial, and the winner won't receive an invite to the 2017 Confederations Cup.
