Ronaldinho, Kaka, Robinho Off Brazil World Cup Roster

Brazil's soccer coach Luiz Felipe Scolari. left, embraces Brazilian Soccer Confederation President Jose Maria Marin during a news conference to anouce his list of players for the 2014 Soccer World Cup in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Wednesday, May 7, 2014. The team will mix talented young stars such as Neymar and Oscar with more experienced players such as Dani Alves, David Luiz, Thiago Silva and Hulk.

SAO PAULO (AP) — Ronaldinho, Kaka and Robinho were left off Brazil's World Cup roster by coach Luiz Felipe Scolari, who selected just five players who went to the 2010 tournament with the Selecao.

Goalkeeper Julio Cesar; defenders Thiago Silva, Dani Alves and Maicon; and midfielder Ramires were the only returnees from the tournament four years ago on the 23-man roster announced Wednesday. Fred, a forward on the 2006 World Cup roster, was selected after missing the 2010 tournament.

"I don't think this lack of World Cup experience will play a big part," Scolari said. "Our players have been gaining experience in their leagues in Europe, and I don't think they will be affected by this too much, although in certain World Cup situations, having that experience would be important. But I fully trust these players."

There were no major surprise picks in Brazil's group, which includes 16 players who were on the roster for last year's Confederations Cup, a warmup tournament in which the Selecao beat Spain 3-0 in the final. The team includes young stars such as Neymar and Oscar.

"My childhood dream came true," Neymar said on Instagram. "Today was one of the most anticipated days of my life. It's time to represent the entire country. I'm completely moved, anxious and nervous. I want it to arrive soon."

Also among the bypassed were Lucas Leiva, Lucas Moura and Felipe Luis. "We know that not everybody will agree with all the names. It's normal," Scolari said. "But now that we have the 23 players, we would like to ask that our fans support all of them, so together we can focus on our goal of winning the World Cup."

The roster includes six players from teams in England, four from Brazil, three each from Italy and Spain, two apiece from France and Germany, and one each from Major League Soccer, Russia and Ukraine.

The announcement at a traditional concert house in Rio de Janeiro was telecast live and attended by more than 700 reporters. Seeking a record sixth World Cup title, Brazil has won 13 of its last 14 games. Its starting lineup is likely to have Julio Cesar in goal; Dani Alves at right back; Thiago Silva and David Luiz in central defense; Marcelo at left back; Paulinho and Luiz Gustavo in defensive midfield; and Oscar in attacking midfield; and Neymar, Hulk and Fred up front.

Brazil plays Croatia in the World Cup opener on June 12, then faces Mexico five days later and Croatia on June 23. The roster: Goalkeepers: Jefferson (Botafogo), Julio Cesar (Toronto, MLS), Victor (Atletico Mineiro)

Defenders: Dani Alves (Barcelona, Spain), Dante (Bayern Munich, Germany), David Luiz (Chelsea, England), Henrique (Napoli, Italy), Maicon (Roma, Italy), Marcelo (Real Madrid, Spain), Maxwell (Paris Saint-Germain, France), Thiago Silva (Paris Saint-Germain, France)

Midfielders: Fernandinho (Manchester City, England), Hernanes (Inter Milan, Italy), Luiz Gustavo (Wolfsburg, Germany), Oscar (Chelsea, England), Paulinho (Tottenham, England), Ramires (Chelsea, England), Willian (Chelsea, England)
Forwards: Bernard (Shakhtar Donetsk, Ukraine), Fred (Fluminense), Hulk (Zenit St. Petersburg, Russia), Jo (Atletico Mineiro), Neymar (Barcelona, Spain)

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Barca President Resigns Amid Neymar Lawsuit

Barcelona's President Sandro Rosell, left, and Vice-president Josep Maria Bartomeu, attend a press conference at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona, Spain, Thursday, Jan 23, 2014. Sandro Rosell is stepping down as president of Barcelona a day after a judge agreed to hear a lawsuit accusing him of allegedly hiding the cost of the transfer of Brazil striker Neymar.Rosell says he is resigning after an emergency meeting with Barcelona's board of directors on Thursday. Rosell says vice president Josep Bartomeu will take his place as president and finish the term that expires in 2016. Elected in 2010 to replace outgoing president Joan Laporta, Rosell said last April he planned to run for re-election in 2016.

BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — The president of Spanish champion Barcelona resigned on Thursday to fight criminal accusations he misappropriated funds from the signing of Brazilian forward Neymar.

Sandro Rosell is facing a legal battle after a judge in Madrid ruled Wednesday he will hear a lawsuit alleging the real cost of Neymar's transfer from Santos last year was hidden. "My time at the club has come to an end," Rosell said, while insisting for a second time this week that the deal to bring Neymar to Barcelona was legal.

Neymar, the top star on Brazil's World Cup team, was acquired in June for 57 million euros (then $74 million), according to Rosell. The legal case claims that the real cost of Neymar's transfer was closer to 95 million euros ($129 million).

The 49-year-old Rosell, a former Nike executive, said confidentiality agreements prevented Barcelona from revealing the exact amount received by Santos and the three companies — DIS, TEISA and N&N — who owned shares of Neymar's rights. The lawsuit does not accuse Rosell of taking money from the deal.

The case prompted Barcelona's board to call an emergency meeting, and Rosell announced after more than two hours of deliberations that he was quitting Barcelona, a Catalan institution whose motto is "more than a club," is owned by its more than 160,000 members, who elect a president and executive board.

Rosell, elected in 2010, said vice president Josep Bartomeu will take his place and complete the presidential term that expires in 2016. "Through this period of success, my family and I have suffered attacks that have made me wonder if being president means putting my family at risk an in anguish," Rosell said.

Last March, Rosell was also accused in Brazil of illegally benefiting from an exhibition game organized by his marketing company in 2008. Barcelona leads the Spanish league on goal difference over Atletico Madrid and hopes to regain the Champions League title it last won in 2011

Ahia Mgbede: FIFA Confederations Cup Brazil 2013 Final Scene

Neymar of Brazil scores his team's second goal to make the score 2-0 during the FIFA Confederations Cup Brazil 2013 Final match between Brazil and Spain at Maracana on June 30, 2013 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Photo by Scott Heavey/Getty Images)

The Brazil and Spain players argue following a challenge by Alvaro Arbeloa of Spain on Neymar of Brazil during the FIFA Confederations Cup Brazil 2013 Final match between Brazil and Spain at Maracana on June 30, 2013 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Photo by Scott Heavey/Getty Images)

Neymar of Brazil reacts during the FIFA Confederations Cup Brazil 2013 Final match between Brazil and Spain at Maracana on June 30, 2013 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Photo by Scott Heavey/Getty Images)

Fred of Brazil scores the opening goal during the FIFA Confederations Cup Brazil 2013 Final match between Brazil and Spain at Maracana on June 30, 2013 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Photo by Scott Heavey/Getty Images)

Brazil fans show their support prior to the FIFA Confederations Cup Brazil 2013 Final match between Brazil and Spain at Maracana on June 30, 2013 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Photo by Scott Heavey/Getty Images)

Brazil and Spain fans show their support prior to the FIFA Confederations Cup Brazil 2013 Final match between Brazil and Spain at Maracana on June 30, 2013 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Photo by Scott Heavey/Getty Images)

Heightened security measures prior to the FIFA Confederations Cup Brazil 2013 Final match between Brazil and Spain at Maracana on June 30, 2013 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Photo by Jasper Juinen/Getty Images)

Riot Police monitor the crowds as they gather for the FIFA Confederations Cup Brazil 2013 Final match between Brazil and Spain at Maracana on June 30, 2013 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)

An indigenous man gestures in front of Maracana Sports Stadium prior to the Brazil-Spain final. Image: Tales Azonni/AP

1. An indigenous man gestures in front of Maracana stadium prior to the soccer Confederations Cup final between Brazil and Spain in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Sunday, June 30, 2013. (AP Photo/Tales Azzoni)

Alvaro Arbeloa of Spain competes with Neymar of Brazil during the FIFA Confederations Cup Brazil 2013 Final match between Brazil and Spain at Maracana on June 30, 2013 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Photo by Scott Heavey/Gettyn gestures in front of Maracana stadium prior to the soccer Confederations Cup final between Brazil and Spain in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Sunday, June 30, 2013. (AP Photo/Tales Azzoni)