Brazil lodge FIFA complaint over disallowed Vinicius goal and referee choice at World Cup

The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) has filed a formal complaint with FIFA over the VAR ruling that disallowed Vinicius Junior’s goal during Brazil’s 3-0 victory over Scotland at Miami Stadium, calling for consistent application of video review criteria across the tournament.

Vinicius appeared to double Brazil’s lead in the 21st minute, only for a VAR review to overturn the goal on the grounds that he had fouled Scotland defender Jack Hendry. In a letter obtained by Brazilian publication Estadao, the CBF argued the intervention contradicted the philosophy it believes has governed VAR use throughout the competition.

“Throughout the competition, there seems to have been a clear emphasis on respecting the on-field referee’s interpretation and limiting intervention to situations involving clear and obvious errors,” the letter reads. “Brazil’s disallowed goal against Scotland in the 21st minute does not seem to align with the philosophy adopted throughout the competition.”

To support their case, the CBF pointed to the play that led to Lionel Messi’s first goal for Argentina against Austria in Group J, suggesting a comparable incident was not subject to the same level of scrutiny. The federation was careful to frame its grievance as a matter of principle rather than a direct appeal against the result. “Our main interest is not to revisit individual decisions, but to ensure that the criteria governing VAR intervention are applied consistently, transparently and equally to all teams throughout the tournament,” the letter states.

The CBF also raised objections to the appointment of Mexican referee Cesar Arturo Ramos for the match, citing a history of disputes stretching back to the 2018 World Cup in Russia. During Brazil’s group-stage draw with Switzerland in that tournament, the CBF filed a separate complaint with FIFA’s Arbitration Committee, alleging Ramos had failed to consult VAR over a foul on Joao Miranda and a potential penalty for a challenge on Gabriel Jesus. The federation believes that record should have prompted FIFA to select a different official for Wednesday’s fixture.

Despite the controversy, Carlo Ancelotti’s side secured a comfortable win that all but ended Steve Clarke’s Scotland side’s hopes of progressing to the knockout rounds.