Brazil have formally complained to FIFA over the controversial disallowing of a goal scored by Vinicius Jr during their 3-0 victory over Scotland in the FIFA World Cup 2026, while also requesting that Mexican referee Cesar Ramos no longer officiate their matches.
The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) has written to FIFA president Gianni Infantino, arguing that the VAR intervention was inconsistent with the tournament’s officiating standards.
Why Brazil Are Protesting
The controversy unfolded in the 21st minute of Brazil’s final Group C fixture.
Vinicius Jr appeared to double Brazil’s lead after dispossessing Scotland defender Jack Hendry before calmly finishing past goalkeeper Angus Gunn.
Although referee Cesar Ramos initially awarded the goal, the decision was overturned following a VAR review, with officials ruling that a foul had occurred in the build-up.
The CBF believes the incident did not meet the threshold for VAR intervention under football’s “clear and obvious error” protocol.
CBF Wants Cesar Ramos Removed
According to reports, Brazil’s football federation has asked FIFA not to appoint Ramos for any of the team’s future matches during the tournament.
The complaint reportedly cites what it describes as a “negative history” with the Mexican official.
Brazil referenced their 2018 FIFA World Cup group-stage match against Switzerland, where they believed they were denied:
- A clear penalty.
- A foul in the build-up to Switzerland’s equalising goal.
The CBF argued that Ramos should not have been assigned to officiate Brazil’s matches given those previous controversies.
Brazil Points To Lionel Messi Goal
The Brazilian federation also questioned the consistency of refereeing decisions by comparing the Vinicius incident with a goal scored by Lionel Messi during Argentina’s World Cup match against Austria.
According to the complaint, Brazil believes similar levels of physical contact were allowed to stand in Argentina’s match, making the decision to overturn Vinicius’ goal inconsistent.
In its letter to FIFA, the CBF stated:
“The decision against Scotland seemed unexpected not only for the Brazilian team, but also for the Scottish players, whose immediate reactions suggested that they did not expect a review or the subsequent annulment of the goal.”
Brazil Still Finished Top Of Group C
Despite the VAR controversy, Brazil comfortably defeated Scotland 3-0.
Vinicius Jr later scored another goal, while Matheus Cunha also found the net as Carlo Ancelotti’s side secured top spot in Group C.
Brazil have now advanced to the Round of 32, where they will face Japan in Houston.
Carlo Ancelotti Focuses On Knockout Stage
Rather than criticising the officials after the match, Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti praised his team’s improvement heading into the knockout rounds.
“Now we are playing as a team; that is the goal.”
The Italian manager acknowledged there were still areas to improve but highlighted Brazil’s growing defensive solidity.
“We are not perfect; we have things to improve. We can be a little quicker when we have control.”
He added:
“I’m happy because the team has improved a lot; now we are solid. In the knockout stage, solidity is very important. Compared to the first game, we are making fewer mistakes, we have more rhythm, and we are more effective up front.”