Neymar to serve out 4-match suspension as court rejects appeal from Brazil

Neymar will miss Brazil's first two World Cup qualifiers against Chile and Venezuela this month after the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) rejected an appeal to reduce his four-match ban.

The 23-year-old has already served half the suspension, which he received in the group stage of this summer's Copa America. Brazil played only two further matches in the tournament, meaning Neymar still has two to serve.

Neymar was dismissed after kicking the ball at Colombia defender Pablo Armero at the end of a 1-0 loss. The referee then broke up a confrontation with Jeison Murillo, but not before Neymar attempted a headbutt.

He also verbally abused the referee on the way to the changing room, according to the post-match report.

The Confederation for Brazilian Football appealed the decision and asked for Neymar to serve out the remaining two games during the next Copa America in 2016.

But the CAS has ordered the immediate completion of the suspension, with the forward now sit to miss the qualifiers on Oct. 8 and Oct. 13