FIFA revokes Paraguayan commentator's World Cup credentials

FIFA has revoked the media credentials of Paraguayan commentator Jorge "Chipi" Vera for the remainder of the 2026 World Cup following an expletive-laden tirade during a live broadcast. The incident occurred during Paraguay's 1-0 group-stage victory over Turkey on June 19, a match that saw Paraguayan star Miguel Almirón become the first player sent off at the tournament under a new rule.

The new regulation, introduced by the International Football Association Board in April, prohibits players from covering their mouths during on-field confrontations, a measure intended to prevent the concealment of racist or discriminatory language. Almirón was shown a red card in first-half stoppage time for directing comments toward Turkish player Mert Müldür with his hand over his mouth.

Reacting live on air for ABC Cardinal and ABC TV, Vera launched into a furious rant. He repeatedly called match referee Iván Barton and FIFA President Gianni Infantino "thieves" and accused them of "killing football." His outburst included multiple uses of a highly offensive Spanish phrase directed at the officials.

FIFA swiftly revoked Vera's accreditation, a sanction that bars him from any participation in...