Maicon was sent home from Brazil’s squad for the friendly games in the USA after reporting back to the delegation 11 hours late, it was revealed this afternoon.
Having earned the day off following Friday night’s 1-0 win over Colombia in Miami, the squad were ordered to return no later than 8PM. However, the 33-year-old – the most experienced player amongst the 22 selected for the 2 matches – only returned at 7AM on Sunday morning.
Coach Dunga sent the AS Roma full-back home, and the incident is likely to bring his international career to an unfortunate close.
The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) have so far not made an official announcement. However, Gilmar Rinaldi, co-ordinator for the Brazilian national team, was pressured by the playing staff to reveal the reasons behind Maicon’s dismissal from the delegation.
According to Globo Esporte, the player attempted to call Rinaldi to explain himself, but the manager had already decided to act.
Meanwhile, Fabinho, of French outfit Monaco, has been called up as a replacement. He was already with the Brazil U-21 squad in Qatar, before heading to New Jersey to join up with the senior squad.
FC Porto’s Danilo, who scored the winning goal for Santos in the 2011 Copa Libertadores, should start the match against Ecuador tomorrow night.
