Football commentator Jorge Chipi Vera has been stripped of his World Cup accreditation by FIFA following an on-air outburst directed at the govern...
PARAGUAY — Football commentator Jorge Chipi Vera has been stripped of his World Cup accreditation by FIFA following an on-air outburst directed at the governing body and match officials during Paraguay’s 1-0 defeat to Turkey.
The incident occurred during the match in which Paraguay midfielder Miguel Almiron became the first player sent off at the tournament under a new rule prohibiting players from covering their mouths during confrontations with opponents.
Almiron received a red card in first-half stoppage time after comments made to Turkey defender Mert Muldur while covering his mouth. The dismissal reduced Paraguay to 10 men and sparked anger from Vera during the live broadcast.
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The veteran broadcaster reacted with an expletive-filled tirade in which he accused FIFA President Gianni Infantino and the referee of damaging the game. His comments were aired live as frustration mounted over the decision.
Following the controversy, Vera announced on social media platform X that FIFA had withdrawn his accreditation. He said the punishment prevents him from taking part in any World Cup coverage connected to his media organisation.
“During the broadcast of the match between Paraguay and Turkey, I had an outburst,” Vera said in a public apology.
“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,” he added.
According to Vera, the sanction means he can no longer participate in coverage inside or outside the stadiums and is barred from any activities related to the World Cup.
FIFA declined to comment publicly on the matter. However, a source familiar with the decision said the organisation considered Vera’s language unacceptable and inconsistent with the professional standards expected from accredited broadcasters.
The source said FIFA respects freedom of speech and accepts criticism regarding the laws of the game. However, repeated use of offensive language directed at officials was regarded as unacceptable.
Sanctions against journalists at FIFA tournaments are uncommon. During the leadership of former FIFA president Sepp Blatter, investigative journalist Andrew Jennings was banned from FIFA events after publishing corruption allegations against the organisation. Many of those allegations were later supported by court proceedings in the United States.
Vera, who works for ABC Cardinal and ABC TV, also apologised to sponsors supporting the broadcaster’s World Cup coverage. He said he had sent a formal apology to FIFA and accepted full responsibility for his conduct.
“Questioning a rule or disagreeing with a refereeing decision never justifies losing control the way I did,” Vera said.
“I failed you in something fundamental: maintaining the composure and respect that this profession requires,” he added.
