The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) removed Manchester United striker Antony from the senior team on Monday after learning that he is being investigated for threatening and assaulting an ex-partner.
The CBF stated in a note that it made the decision to remove the 23-year-old player from Canarinha to “preserve the alleged victim, the footballer himself” and the squad led by coach Fernando Diniz.
His place will be taken by Gabriel Jesus, Arsenal forward, with a view to the first two games of the South American qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup against Bolivia and Peru.
The Brazilian confederation indicated that the “facts that came to light this Monday and that implicate” Antony “need to be investigated,” which is why it decided to call him off until the case is clarified.
This Monday, the Brazilian press leaked several sections of alleged messages that Antony sent to Gabriela Cavallin, an old girlfriend, in which the Manchester United forward wishes him death. The “Uol” portal also published statements by Cavallin, in which she accuses Antony of attacking her on several occasions.
According to his version, the former Ajax Amsterdam player once punched him in the chest, displacing a silicone prosthesis, which forced him to undergo surgery. He also reported that on another occasion he locked her in her house after a fight, in which she was injured, and threatened to kill her.
The “Ge” portal also showed alleged photographs of the woman with injuries to her fingers and head after two fights with the Brazilian team winger.
The investigation is being processed at the 5th Women’s Police Station, which plans to take statements from several witnesses, according to the São Paulo Civil Police in a statement.
The Brazilian team was also forced to remove midfielder Lucas Paquetá from this call-up, who was investigated for alleged irregular sports betting in England.
In a statement on his Instagram account, the footballer has denied all the facts that are accused of him and has stated “with calm that the accusations are false.” “Out of respect for my parents, friends and relatives, I feel obliged to speak out publicly about the false accusations of which I have been a victim,” he began.
“From the beginning I have treated this matter seriously and with respect, paying due attention to what the police authorities have requested of me. The police investigation is under summary secrecy and, therefore, I cannot make its content public. However, I can safely say that the accusations are false and that the evidence will show that I am innocent. My relationship with Mrs. Gabriela was tumultuous, with verbal abuse on both sides, but I never physically assaulted her. She each time she gives a different version of the accusations. Thus, I come to deny the accusations and to report that I am available to the authorities to clarify what is necessary. I trust that the police investigations will demonstrate the truth about my innocence ”, she has settled.
