FIFA has revoked the credentials of Paraguayan soccer commentator Jorge Chipi Vera following an expletive-filled tirade during a World Cup match. Vera was calling Paraguay's game against Turkiye for ABC Carnival and ABC TV when Paraguayan player Miguel Almirón received a red card.
Almirón was ejected for violating a new FIFA rule that requires players to keep their mouths covered. He became the first player to be sent off under this regulation. Vera, frustrated by the decision and believing his national team was being disadvantaged, launched into a lengthy, profanity-laden commentary.
According to translations, Vera called FIFA President Gianni Infantino and the match referee "f--king thieves" and stated they were "killing football." He also reportedly used the phrase "sons of b----hes" twenty times.
Vera has since issued an apology for his outburst, acknowledging his "offensive and unacceptable expressions against the referee, FIFA, and its authorities" during his "frustration over the expulsion of a player from my country."