Manchester United winger Antony has been left out of Brazil’s squad for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Bolivia and Peru following allegations of assault by ex-girlfriend Gabriela Cavallino. Antony denied the claim.
Cavallin made the allegations in an interview with the Brazilian publication UOL. Antony allegedly head-butted the DJ and social media influencer in a Manchester hotel room in January, leaving her with a cut to her head that required medical treatment.
On another occasion, an alleged punch to the chest caused damage to a breast implant and required corrective surgery in Brazil to repair, while the player is also accused of throwing a glass at Cavallin at his home in Cheshire, leaving her with a deep cut to her hands when she tried to defend herself. She also accuses him of repeatedly sending offensive messages. Another alleged attack in Brazil in the summer of 2022 came while Cavallin was pregnant – she later miscarried at 16 weeks.
Police in Sao Paulo and Manchester are investigating the allegations.
A statement from the Brazilian Football Federation (CBF) read: “Given the facts that became public this Monday concerning the Manchester United player Antony, which require investigation, and in order to protect the alleged victim, the player, the Brazilian team and the CBF, the organization informs , that the athlete has been withdrawn from the Brazilian team.”
Arsenal’s Gabriel Jesus has been called up to the Brazil squad as a substitute.
Antony said he felt compelled to speak publicly about what he called “false allegations”.
In his own statement posted on social media, the 23-year-old said: “Out of respect for my fans, friends and family, I feel compelled to speak publicly about the false allegations I have been the victim of. From the beginning I have treated this matter with seriousness and respect, providing I need clarification from the police authority. The police investigation is a judicial secret, and therefore I cannot publish its contents.
“However, I can confidently state that the allegations are false and that the evidence already conducted and further evidence to be conducted proves that I am innocent of the allegations made. My relationship with Gabriela was tumultuous, with verbal abuse from both sides,” he said. but I have never committed any physical aggression. At every moment, whether in testimony or interview, he presents a different version of the accusation.
“Therefore, I vehemently deny the accusations made and inform you that I remain available to the Brazilian authorities to clarify what is necessary. I believe that the ongoing police investigation will prove the truth of my innocence.”
Manchester United have not commented on the allegations. It comes after Mason Greenwood was loaned to Getafe at the conclusion of an internal investigation into his arrest and subsequent charges of attempted rape, assault occasioning actual bodily harm and controlling and coercive behaviour. Prosecutors eventually dropped charges after withdrawing key witnesses, new evidence and with no realistic prospect of a conviction. He was not cleared at trial.