Manchester United winger Antony has been dropped from the Brazil national squad over domestic abuse allegations.
He was initially selected for the World Cup qualifiers against Bolivia and Peru.
Antony’s ex-girlfriend made serious allegations of physical assault against him in an interview with the Brazilian website UOL.
A statement from CBF confirmed his omission: “Due to the facts that became public this Monday (09/04), involving Manchester United striker Antony, and that need to be investigated.
“In order to preserve the alleged victim, the player, the Brazilian National Team and the CBF, the entity informs that the athlete is withdrawn from the Brazilian National Team.
“To replace him, coach Fernando Diniz called Gabriel Jesus, who was pre-selected on a list of 36 players, sent to FIFA.”
UOL published photographs and screenshots of messages as proof of domestic violence by Antony.
The accusations have been reported to police in São Paulo and Manchester.
The former Ajax winger has released a public statement denying the allegations against him.
He accepted that his relationship with his ex-girlfriend was ‘tumultuous’, but insisted he ‘never practised any physical aggression’.
This is a major setback for Man United, who are still trying to recover from the Mason Greenwood episode.
United ordered Greenwood to leave the club despite charges of attempted rape, assault occasioning actual bodily harm and controlling and coercive behaviour were dropped by the Crown Prosecution Service.
The England international has moved to La Liga club Getafe CF to revive his career.