CAS reject Brazil appeal over Neymar suspension

Brazil will be without star striker Neymar for upcoming 2018 World Cup qualifiers against Chile and Venezuela after the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) rejected an appeal from the Brazilian FA on Friday. In a statement, the Swiss-based court confirmed it had "dismissed the urgent appeal filed by the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) against FIFA and the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL)". CAS added that "the two remaining match bans will have to be served during the next qualifying matches for the 2018 FIFA World Cup to be held on 8 and 13 October 2015". Brazil captain Neymar was given a four-match ban after he was sent off against Colombia during a first-round match at this year's Copa America tournament. The CBF had appealed that the Barcelona forward should serve his remaining two-match suspension in games which count towards the Copa America. However, world football's governing body insisted the ban should be enforced during Brazil next two international matches. The CAS ruling, in favour of FIFA, means that Neymar will miss Brazil's opening qualifier against continental champions Chile on October 8 as well as the visit of Venezuela five days later.