Midfielder Dejan Petkovic will train separately from the group. In a press conference in Gávea, around 6:30 pm on Monday, Vice President of Football Marcos Braz emphasized that the decision was made due to what he called a very serious error by the player. "President Patricia Amorim was informed of the matter yesterday and said that the problem should be managed within the football team."

The vice president of football emphasized that he has no personal problem with Petkovic. "He knows what he did. If it weren't serious, he wouldn't be out of the group." The issue will be discussed this Tuesday during a routine meeting Braz said he held with the group at the training camp.

Marcos Braz confirmed that he had an argument with the player during halftime, shortly before he left the stadium. "He simply left. The only thing I wanted to know is if the player tested positive for doping [or was listed for a drug test]? Where would we be now?"

Braz denied that there were any gestures between the two sides during the argument, and his voice apparently increased in volume due to the distance Petkovic was at as he moved away. The manager said he partially understood Petkovic's version of events, as he had said earlier, also in a press conference, that he had gone for a drive in the area due to his irritation with the first-half result, but that he was waiting to see if he would have to return to Maracanã for the exam.

With the decision, the player will continue training separately until the soccer board makes a decision on the matter. According to Braz, the trend is that either the player's contract will be terminated or he will be reinstated into the group. "We'll do this calmly. I'm in no rush. We don't foresee the problem or the solution," explained Braz, who nevertheless emphasized that it's a good step for the player to acknowledge his mistake.

The decision on where the player will train will be made by football manager Isaias Tinoco.

Petkovic gives his version at a press conference