Brazil Forward Antony Withdrawn From Squad (image-www.instagram/antony00)

Brazil forward Antony Santos has been withdrawn from the squad of 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Bolivia and Peru following a physical abuse allegation, the country’s football confederation (CBF) said in a statement on Monday.

UOL, a Brazilian media outlet, published the allegations from Antony’s ex-girlfriend Gabriela Cavallin. Cavallin accused Antony of physically assaulting her, however Antony has denied it.

“Due to the facts that became public this Monday involving Manchester United player Antony, and which need to be investigated, and in order to safeguard the alleged victim, the player, the Brazilian team and the CBF, the organization informs that the athlete has been withdrawn from the Brazilian team”, CBF issued the statement.

Antony has taken his side of the story to Instagram and he expressed confidence in his innocence and his trust in “police investigation which will bring out the truth”. He has also mentioned that he is unable to provide details due to ongoing investigation.

Antony is accused of attacking Cavallin “with a headbutt” in a Manchester hotel room on 15 January, leaving her with a cut head which needed treatment from a doctor.

Antony has been replaced with Arsenal forward Gabriel Jesus. Brazil will host Bolivia on Friday and will visit Peru as a part of World Cup qualifying campaign.

Manchester United, Antony”s club, is now under pressure after allegations against £84m forward Antony, especially after a fortnight after Mason Greenwood was forced to leave the club despite the rape charges on him being dropped. The Red Devils are yet to respond on the allegations against the Brazilian forward.