Vinicius Jr to miss FIFA U-17 World Cup

The star footballer had an agreement with Brazilian side Flamengo that he would feature in the FIFA U-17 World Cup to be held in India provided his club wins the Cup in Brazil, which did not happen.

Brazil's Vinicius Jr's club Flamengo lost in the final of the Copa do Brasil preventing the star player from playing in the FIFA U-17 World Cup.

Brazil will not have the services of its star player Vinicius Jr during the FIFA U-17 World Cup as the youngster has been barred by his club Flamengo from travelling to India following the club’s defeat in the final of the Copa do Brasil.

According to a report published by Globo Esporte , Vinicius had an agreement with Flamengo that he can travel to India only if his team wins the Cup in Brazil, which did not happen.

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"It is confirmed Vinicius Junior will not travel to India for the U-17 World Cup," Brazil media manager Gregório Fernandes was quoted as saying.

“We want the best for Vinicius, he is an intelligent and important player for the national team, but he has not participated in the preparation weeks that they have had,” Flamengo coach Reinaldo Rueda has been quoted as saying.

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“He knows that he could have gone and helped, but he also wants to respect the situation. He knows there are good players in the squad and so he is going to stay with us. We hope Brazil will succeed in the World Cup.”

CFB furious

The Brazilian Football Confederation (CFB) is incensed at the Flamengo decision. In an official statement, CFB stated that it expected the Rio de Janeiro institution would make a decision that would not be harmful to the Brazilian team and to the player himself.

CFB’s Edu Gaspar said: “We called Sao Paulo for Brenner, Vasco for Paulinho and Flamengo for Vinicius,” he said, explaining that it informed all clubs of its intentions at the beginning of September. "Sao Paulo and Vasco let their players come without any problems. Flamengo had doubts.”

He said the player had no role in the club decision. “Vinicius was very receptive from the beginning and excited to be called up. I was counting on them [Flamengo] to have common sense. I do not agree and we are all deeply disappointed with the club's decision.”

Brazil is in Group D along with European champions Spain, Niger and North Korea. It will begin its campaign against Spain on October 7.