FIFA has banned Paraguayan commentator Jorge 'Chipi' Vera from the remainder of the 2026 World Cup after he unleashed a tirade of insults on air during Paraguay's 1-0 victory over Turkey. The ban, announced by FIFA on Tuesday, revokes Vera's accreditation, preventing him from commentating on any further matches in the tournament.
Red card sparks controversy
The incident occurred during Paraguay's Group D match against Turkey, which saw Miguel Almiron become the first player at this World Cup to be sent off for speaking while covering his mouth. The red card, issued by Salvadoran referee Ivan Barton, was based on a new FIFA rule prohibiting players from covering their mouths during 'confrontational situations' to combat discriminatory and inappropriate behaviour.
Paraguay had taken the lead through Matias Galarza's early goal, but the red card infuriated the Paraguayan camp and its supporters. Vera, commentating live for ABC, expressed his anger in a series of expletive-laden outbursts.
Vera's on-air outburst
During the broadcast, Vera called Barton a 'thief' and directed his fury at FIFA president Gianni Infantino and CONMEBOL president Alejandro Dominguez. 'Thief, thief, Barton,' Vera said. '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 then turned on Dominguez: 'Alejandro Dominguez, less photos with Infantino. Grow a pair. You f***ing thieves. Is this what we have to come and see at a World Cup? What sons of bitches! This is inexplicable, this is a disgrace. They're killing football and leaving us with one less player. Sons of bitches.'
FIFA's response and Vera's apology
FIFA quickly moved to revoke Vera's accreditation, effectively ending his involvement in the network's World Cup coverage. In a statement, Vera acknowledged the ban and issued a public apology, admitting his language was 'offensive and unacceptable'.
'FIFA has decided to cancel my accreditation for this World Cup. In effect, this means that I will no longer be able to participate in ABC's coverage of this World Cup, either inside or outside the stadiums. The sanction covers any type of participation or coverage related to the World Cup on the platforms of the media outlet for which I work,' Vera said.
He added: 'I'm not here to make excuses. Questioning a rule or disagreeing with a referee's decision never justifies losing control the way I did. Nor am I here to shift blame. What I said was wrong, and I have to own up to it.'
New FIFA rule on mouth covering
The red card that sparked the controversy stemmed from a new FIFA regulation introduced for this tournament. The International Football Association Board has stated: 'Any player covering their mouth in a confrontational situation with an opponent may be sanctioned with a red card.' The rule aims to prevent discriminatory and inappropriate behaviour, but has drawn criticism for its perceived strictness.
Vera also sent a letter to FIFA expressing his apologies and expressed a desire to explain his actions personally. He concluded: 'I accept this situation with humility, I will learn from it, and when possible and appropriate, I will continue working to honor the trust of those who have supported me for so many years.'
