CONMEBOL Admit Mistake in Vinicius’ Penalty Incident During Brazil's Copa America Game vs Colombia

• Brazil and Colombia played a goalless draw in their third Group D match at the ongoing 2024 CONMEBOL Copa America
• The draw helped Colombia finish as group winners, earning Brazil a tough knockout draw against Group C winners Uruguay
• The continent’s football governing body has admitted to an officiating mistake after Vinicius Jr was denied a penalty shout

Vinicius Jr. will feel vindicated and annoyed again after the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) admitted to a refereeing mistake during Brazil vs. Colombia.

The two countries shared points after a 1-1 draw on July 3 to qualify as the top two teams in the 2024 Copa America Group D and to reach the quarter-finals of the competition.

However, Brazil will feel aggrieved after landing a tough draw against Group C winners and one of the tournament’s favourites in Marcelo Bielsa’s Uruguay, while Colombia face Panama.

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CONMEBOL admits referee’s mistake against Brazil

In the 42nd minute of the match, Vinicius Jr. made his usual run into the box from the left, but defender Daniel Munoz tripped him from behind.

Venezuelan referee, Jesus Valenzuela, failed to award a spot kick and even after intervention by the Argentine video assistant referee, Mauro Vigliano, the on-field decision was allowed to stand.

As quoted by Reuters, CONMEBOL has issued a statement admitting that the penalty should have been awarded.

"In a challenge for the ball inside the penalty area, a defender does not touch the ball. As a result, there is a contact that is not reasonable for the action. The referee fails to observe the action and allows play to continue," the statement read.

"The VAR fails to identify that the defender did not touch the ball before recklessly contacting the Brazilian striker. Therefore, the VAR incorrectly confirms the original on-field decision."

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The draw cost Brazil the top spot and meant they got a tricky draw in the quarter-final. As Bolavip noted, they will also be without star man, Vinicius, for the match after he accumulated two yellow cards in the group stages.

Fans claim Copa America is rigged for Argentina

Sports Brief also reported on fans claiming that Copa America is rigged for Argentina after Brazil were denied a clear penalty in their 1-1 draw against Colombia.

The accusations of rigging have surrounded Lionel Messi’s side since they were awarded five penalties in the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, which they won.