The Brazilian FA (CBF) has filed a formal complaint to FIFA following refereeing controversy in their World Cup clash with Scotland.
Brazil put in an impressive performance to defeat Scotland 3-0. However, the Selecao hierarchy are furious over a disallowed Vinicius Jr goal and are demanding that the match official never takes charge of their games again.
Having secured an early lead in the match through Vinicius Jr, drama unfolded in the 21st minute of Brazil’s final Group C clash. The Real Madrid superstar appeared to have doubled his tally after dispossessing Jack Hendry and finishing coolly past Angus Gunn.
Referee Cesar Ramos initially pointed to the centre circle, but a VAR intervention saw the goal chalked off for a perceived foul in the build-up.
Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti voiced out his displeasure over the decision as he felt the contact was minimal and did not meet the “clear and obvious” threshold required for a video review.
Referee Cesar Ramos gestures during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group C match between Scotland and Brazil. (Photo by Alex Gottschalk/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images)
CBF president Samir Xaud has since escalated the matter by writing directly to FIFA president Gianni Infantino to contest the lack of consistency in officiating throughout the tournament.
The CBF has specifically requested that Mexican official Ramos be removed from their future assignments in North America.
In a document seen by Brazilian publication Estadao, the federation cited a “negative history” with the official, harking back to a 2018 World Cup group stage match against Switzerland where they felt they were denied a clear penalty and a foul in the build-up to the Swiss equaliser.
The formal letter argues that Ramos should not have been appointed in the first place given the previous friction.
To prove their point, the Brazilian authorities even used Lionel Messi to highlight the perceived officiating double standards. The CBF’s letter pointed toward a goal scored by Messi for Argentina against Austria earlier in the tournament, suggesting that similar physical challenges in the lead-up to goals have been allowed to stand for other nations while Brazil are being unfairly penalised.
Brazil will be hoping for a positive response from FIFA as they prepare to face Japan in the round of 32 in Houston.
