Samir Xaud also asks FIFA to avoid repeatedly appointing referees involved in previous controversies with the national team
The president of the Brazilian Football Confederation, Samir Xaud, sent a letter to the president of FIFA, Gianni Infantino, asking for uniformity in the application of VAR during the 2026 World Cup. The document was sent on Thursday (June 25, 2026), after , in Miami, a result that guaranteed the Brazilians 1st place in Group C.
The demonstration focuses on canceling a goal by Vini Jr. in the 21st minute of the first half. In the move, the Brazilian striker recovered the ball at the edge of the Scottish area and finished, but Mexican referee César Ramos was called to the monitor and invalidated the goal after a VAR review. For the CBF, the intervention did not follow the standard that had been adopted in the tournament.
In the letter (in English – PDF – 196 kB), Xaud declared that the World Cup has shown an orientation towards preserving the on-field decision and limiting the use of VAR to “clear and obvious errors”. The director mentioned other moves in which, according to the CBF, the original markings were maintained, such as a possible foul before the goal by the Argentina team against Austria, a possible penalty for the England team against the Ghana team and another penalty shot involving the teams of Senegal and France.
“Brazil’s disallowed goal against Scotland, in the 21st minute, does not seem to be in line with the philosophy adopted throughout the competition”said Xaud. According to him, the decision seemed unexpected not only for the Brazilian team, but also for the Scottish players, whose immediate reactions would indicate that they were not expecting a review or annulment of the goal.
The CBF president stated that he respected the decision-making process and said that the entity does not intend to discuss the technical interpretation of the specific bid. “Our concern is not the decision itself, but the importance of ensuring that the same standard is applied consistently across all games and for all participating teams.”he declared.
Xaud also asked for FIFA’s attention on the referee roster. The CBF president stated that the nominations must remain independent, but defended that the entity avoid repeating referees involved in previous controversies with the same selection.
He mentioned that César Ramos refereed Brazil vs Switzerland in the 2018 World Cup, when the Swiss draw was validated despite a foul on a Brazilian defender before the goal. “It is understandable that questions arise when the same referee is again involved in an important decision that affects Brazil in a World Cup”these.
With the victory over the Scottish team, Brazil advanced to the next stage of the World Cup. Carlo Ancelotti’s team will face the Japanese team next Monday (June 29), at 2pm, in Houston. The Japanese placed 2nd in Group F after the Swedish team in Arlington.
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