SAO PAULO, Brazil (AP):

Robinho was dropped from the Brazilian Olympic team yesterday after Real Madrid said a medical examination discovered the striker has a groin injury.

The Brazilian football confederation criticised the Spanish club and said the decision was a "disrespect to the entity, to football and to Brazilian fans."

Brazil physiotherapist Luiz Alberto Rosan said he knew of Robinho's injury, but that the player would have had time to heal before the Olympic tournament.

The 24-year-old Robinho was dropped on the day he and his teammates were expected to report for training with Brazil. He was one of the three players over the age of 23 summoned by coach Dunga, and Real Madrid was not obligated to release him.

Replacement

The Brazilian confederation said that in 2007 it helped the Spanish club by allowing Robinho to delay his release for the Copa America, and that it was a surprise that Madrid did not reciprocate now.

"Unhappily, I can't go with Brazil to the games, but it is Real Madrid's decision and I respect it," Robinho said.

Dunga summoned 21-year-old Cruzeiro midfielder Ramires as Robinho's replacement.

"Real Madrid have contacted the Brazilian FA via fax, explaining the injury and requesting the player's absence from the national squad list for the Olympic Games," the club said in a statement on its Web site.