Brazil lodges FIFA complaint over disallowed Vinicius's goal

The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) has lodged an official complaint with FIFA over the disallowed goal scored by Vinicius Junior against Scotland, arguing that a similar incident involving Lionel Messi's goal for Argentina was judged differently during the tournament.

According to Brazilian outlet Estadão, the CBF submitted its protest after Vinicius' first-half goal was ruled out following a VAR review in Brazil's World Cup group-stage match against Scotland.

The incident took place in the 22nd minute when Vinicius won possession from Scotland defender Jack Hendry before finding the net. Mexican referee Cesar Ramos overturned the goal after VAR advised that the Brazilian forward had fouled Hendry from behind in the build-up.

Despite the decision, Vinicius went on to score twice as Brazil secured a 3-0 victory. Had the earlier goal stood, the Real Madrid star would have completed a hat-trick.

In its complaint, the CBF argued that the referee's decision came as a surprise not only to Brazil but also to Scotland's players, whose on-field reactions suggested they had not expected a foul to be awarded.

To support its case, Brazil cited Argentina's match against Austria, where Lionel Messi scored following a challenge by Alexis Mac Allister on Austria's Xaver Schlager during the build-up. Although Schlager went to ground, play continued and Messi's goal was allowed to stand despite protests from Austrian players.

The CBF questioned the consistency of officiating, asking why Messi's goal was deemed legal while Vinicius' strike was ruled out under similar circumstances.

Brazil have already secured top spot in Group C and will face Japan in the Round of 32.