Real Madrid are refusing to release forward Vinicius Junior for the upcoming South American Under-20 tournament in Chile, claim his nation.
Brazil Under-20 boss Carlos Amadeu is reported by Diario AS as saying ‘it is certain’ that Vinicius won’t be part of the squad, with his club telling him directly that they would not sanction the move.
The tournament runs from 20 January through to 13 February but is not part of FIFA’s calendar, allowing club sides the discretion over whether or not to release their players.
“We all know it's very difficult because it is not a FIFA date, and the club is not obliged to release us,” Vinicius was reported as saying by ESPN FC last month.
“But we are trying not only for myself but for all the players to play the South American [tournament] and play for the national team.”
