Paraguayan commentator Jorge 'Chipi' Vera has had his accreditation for the World Cup revoked after a live on-air rant in which he called FIFA "fing thieves" and "sons of b***". The incident occurred during Paraguay's match against Turkey on Saturday, when Paraguayan player Miguel Almiron received a straight red card for covering his mouth while interacting with an opponent.
Vera, covering the match for ABC in Paraguay, expressed outrage at the decision, which he attributed to a new FIFA rule. He directed his anger at FIFA and its president, Gianni Infantino, live on air.
"Thief, thief, Barton," Vera stated, referring to the referee. "They killed football. FIFA, you killed football. Infantino, you're responsible for this. FIFA, take responsibility for turning football into this. A disgrace. You should be ashamed, Infantino."
He continued, "Alejandro Domínguez [president of CONMEBOL] less photos with Infantino. Grow a pair. You fing thieves! Is this what we have to come and see at a World Cup? What sons of b***! What sons of b******! This is inexplicable, this is a disgrace. They're killing football and leaving us with one less player. Sons of b******."
Following the broadcast, Vera took to social media to apologize for his outburst. He stated that he had failed to maintain the composure and respect required by his profession and offered apologies to his audience, colleagues, supporting companies, FIFA authorities, and his family. He confirmed that his accreditation had been revoked, preventing him from covering further matches in the tournament hosted in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
The new rule regarding covering one's mouth was reportedly introduced to help combat racism. It was a measure implemented after Real Madrid player Vinicius Junior alleged he was racially abused by an opponent who covered his mouth while speaking to him during a Champions League game.