If you were hoping to see Neymar in Copa America this summer, you are now officially out of luck. It’s been heavily rumored and implied that Brazil’s captain would skip the earlier tournament in the United States, then play the Olympics in Rio, but now that’s official. Barcelona announced on Wednesday that they’d come to an agreement after negotiating with the Brazilian FA.
While Barcelona can’t actually stop Brazil and Neymar from going back on their agreement, it’s unlikely that they will. Neymar — like his two forward mates — has looked like he’s in serious need of a rest for a long time.
Center back Marc Bartra’s striker-like goal. (r/soccer)
Roy Hodgson says that Jamie Vardy was unlucky to get sent off for a clear dive, and that his pointing in a referee’s face and swearing at him repeatedly was a normal human reaction to getting caught for something he knew he did wrong. (Guardian)
Cristiano Ronaldo had an injury scare, but he’s OK. (ESPN FC)
The PRO referees chief says officials in MLS are better than in many European countries. (MLS)
Ched Evans will receive a new trial in his rape case. (BBC)
Stoke’s stadium is getting expanded and will now be sponsored by a gambling company. (Stoke City FC)
This article was written by Kevin McCauley from SB Nation and was legally licensed through the NewsCred publisher network.