Neymar’s chances of making Brazil’s World Cup squad have taken another hit, following reports he could face a ban of up to 10 matches over alleged sexist remarks.
The Brazilian star is already under pressure to secure a place in the squad for what he has suggested could be his final World Cup. He was omitted from Carlo Ancelotti’s latest selection, which is the last squad before the final tournament list is announced.
Needing strong performances with Santos FC in the coming weeks, Neymar’s hopes could be further dented if the reported suspension is enforced.
The controversy stems from comments he made about referee Savio Pereira Sampaio after Santos’ 2-0 victory over Remo in Brazil’s Serie A. Although he will serve a separate one-match ban for accumulating three yellow cards in four games, the remarks could lead to a more severe punishment.
‘This card is unfair, I was on the receiving end of a dangerous, unnecessary tackle at the end of the match. It wasn’t the first, but the third or fourth. I went to protest and received a yellow card,’ Neymar began.
‘That’s Savio for you; he woke up kind of ‘on his period’ and came onto the pitch in that state.
‘He wants to be the star of the match, he’s incredibly disrespectful to the players, he doesn’t talk, he doesn’t discuss anything, he’s the kind of guy who dictates the game, who wants to control everything.
‘He needs to learn to manage that, it’s disrespectful.’
The forward was also heard laughing as he used the phrase “de chico” during the interview, a term reportedly linked to derogatory views about menstruation.
Journalist Mariana Pereira was among those who criticised the comments, highlighting the harmful nature of such expressions.
‘How easy it is to replicate sexist and prejudiced expressions. For years, women have been shamed for menstruating,’ she wrote.
‘A simple BIOLOGICAL process seen as something dirty, hormonal fluctuations and physical pains invalidated. There are those who defend it.’
Reports indicate Neymar is now under investigation and could face a suspension ranging from five to 10 matches if found guilty of discriminatory conduct, in addition to his criticism of the referee. A similar case saw Gustavo Marques handed a 12-match ban for sexist remarks toward a female official.
Any extended suspension would significantly hurt Neymar’s chances of regaining form and convincing Ancelotti to include him in Brazil’s squad. With only a limited number of matches left before the provisional World Cup list is finalised on May 11, time is running out.
The forward, who has not played for Brazil since October 2023, recently admitted his disappointment after missing out on recent friendlies against France and Croatia.
‘I’m going to speak because I can’t stay silent,’ he said.
‘Obviously, I’m upset and sad about not being called up, but my focus remains the same: day after day, training session after training session, match after match.
‘We will achieve our goal,’ he added, referring to his ambition of making the final squad.