Commentator loses World Cup credentials after expletive rant over Almiron's mouth-covering red card

Paraguayan commentator Jorge Chipi Vera has been stripped of his FIFA World Cup credentials after an expletive-laden on-air tirade directed at match officials and FIFA president Gianni Infantino during Paraguay’s 1-0 victory over Turkey.

The outburst was triggered by Miguel Almiron’s red card in first-half stoppage time — the tournament’s first dismissal — after the Newcastle midfielder was seen covering his mouth with his hand while speaking to Turkey’s Mert Muldur. The sending-off enforced a strict new FIFA rule prohibiting players from obscuring their mouths during on-field confrontations.

Vera, a commentator for ABC Cardinal and ABC TV, branded Infantino and the referee “thieves” and accused them of “killing football” as Paraguay were reduced to 10 men for the entire second half.

In a lengthy apology posted on X in the early hours of Tuesday, Vera confirmed his accreditation had been cancelled and acknowledged the severity of his language. “During the broadcast of the match between Paraguay and Turkey, I had an outburst,” he wrote. “In the midst of my frustration over the expulsion of a player from my country, and feeling that my national team was being harmed, I used offensive and unacceptable expressions against the referee, FIFA, and its authorities.”

Vera confirmed the sanction bars him from participating in his outlet’s World Cup coverage “either inside the stadiums or outside them”, and extends to “any type of participation or coverage related to the World Cup.” He also said he had sent a formal letter of apology to FIFA and accepted full responsibility.

“Questioning a rule or disagreeing with a refereeing decision never justifies losing control the way I did,” he added. “I failed you in something fundamental: maintaining the composure and respect that this profession requires.”

Despite the adversity of playing a man down for 45 minutes, Paraguay held on to claim all three points. They can secure a place in the knockout rounds with a point against Australia on Thursday.