Brazil demand FIFA ban referee Ramos from their games after Vinicius goal disallowed vs Scotland

Brazil have formally asked FIFA to remove referee Cesar Ramos from their remaining World Cup fixtures after a disputed VAR decision disallowed a Vinicius Jr goal during their 3-0 group-stage victory over Scotland.

CBF president Samir Xaud sent a direct letter to FIFA chief Gianni Infantino requesting that Ramos, a Mexican official, takes no further charge of Brazil’s games. The complaint centres on a first-half incident in which Ramos, acting on a VAR recommendation, ruled that Vinicius had fouled Scotland defender Jack Hendry before slotting past goalkeeper Angus Gunn. Brazil’s players reacted furiously to the call at the time.

According to Brazilian publication Estadao, the CBF cited a “negative history” with Ramos stretching back to the 2018 World Cup, when Brazil were denied a penalty in a group match against Switzerland.

The disallowed goal ultimately proved inconsequential on the night. Vinicius went on to score a legitimate brace, with Matheus Cunha adding a second-half goal to seal top spot in the group. Brazil’s superior goal difference edged them above Morocco, and a round-of-32 tie against Japan has since been confirmed.

Head coach Carlo Ancelotti declined to address the refereeing controversy after the final whistle, instead directing his post-match comments toward Vinicius, who now has four goals in the tournament.

“Vini is in great form at the moment and the team helps him a lot,” Ancelotti said. “He can play in various positions, both on the inside and on the wing. It’s very rewarding to see Vinicius like this. I had no doubt he could reach this level. He’s a top-class player, one of the best in the world.”

Should Brazil progress past Japan, they would face either Ivory Coast or Norway in the last 16.