Brazil ask FIFA to explain VAR decisions against Switzerland

The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) has sent an official letter to FIFA questioning the decision not to use VAR during their 1-1 draw with Switzerland.

Brazil were left angered by Steven Zuber’s equalising goal in Rostov-On-Don, arguing that Miranda was pushed, and also believed they should have had a second-half penalty for a challenge on Gabriel Jesus by Manuel Akanji.

In a letter addressed to FIFA President Gianni Infantino, the CBF questions the ‘conduct of referee Mr. Cesar Ramos and the video assistant referee Mr. Paolo Valeri’.

Addressing Zuber’s equaliser in the 50th minute, which proved to be decisive as Brazil failed to win their opening match at the World Cup for the first time in 40 years, a statement read: “It is evident that the Brazilian player Miranda, while on the act of defending, was clearly pushed and moved away by the goal-scorer Zuber.

“Zuber deliberately pushes Miranda on two different occasions with two hands, the second occasion being much clearer, because the bodies of both players were more distant.

“The action characterises a clear foul, which resulted in an undisputable advantage for Mr. Zuber, since Mr. Miranda was unable to defend and play the ball. The referee did not mark the foul and Mr. Zuber scored a decisive goal.”

1978 – Brazil have failed to win their opening game in the World Cup for the first time since 1978 v Sweden