New Delhi, Sep 5 (IANS): Brazil dropped Manchester United winger Antony Santos from the first two game of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, following the assault allegations leveled by his former girlfriend, DJ and influencer Gabriela Cavallin.

The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) has announced that Antony has withdrawn from the national team after the facts became public that need to be investigated.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the alleged victim, the player, the Brazilian National Team and the CBF, the entity informs that the athlete is withdrawn from the Brazilian National Team," CBF said in a statement.

The 23-year-old forward is being investigated by the Sao Paulo Civil Police for domestic violence against his ex-girlfriend, DJ and influencer Gabriela Cavallin, according to Brazilian news outlet UOL that published allegations made by Antony's ex-partner on Monday.

Later, Antony took to social media to deny the allegations. "I can calmly state that the accusations are false and that the evidence already produced and the other evidence that will be produced demonstrate that I am innocent of the accusations made.

"My relationship with Gabriela was tumultuous, with verbal insults from both sides, but I never committed any physical aggression.

"I trust that the ongoing police investigations will demonstrate the truth about my innocence," he wrote on his Instagram story.

Antony has been replaced in the Brazil squad by Arsenal striker Gabriel Jesus for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Bolivia and Peru.