ABC Los Angeles reporter Abigail Velez issued a public apology after making insensitive on-air comments about Bosnia and Herzegovina, the United States' opponents in the World Cup's Round of 32. The segment, recorded last week, drew widespread criticism on social media.
Apology Issued After Backlash
In a statement released on Saturday, Velez said: "In a poor effort to have a little fun with World Cup competition, I took it too far and made a thoughtless comment on air that was insensitive and inappropriate. I apologize to the people of Bosnia and the Bosnian Football team. The World Cup is supposed to be about uniting communities around the world, and my comment didn't reflect that spirit. Wishing all the teams the very best as they continue their World Cup journey."
Controversial Remarks
During the broadcast, Velez said: "Okay, the next round Team USA will play Bosnia next Wednesday, and one thing about Bosnia is I could not point out where it is on a map. I don't know the first thing about Bosnia [and Herzegovina], and I don't want to know. That's because Team USA. We're back. We're better than ever. That's next Wednesday. Get prepared, Bosnia, because you don't want it. You don't want it like that, but you're gonna get it. That's next Wednesday."
Context of the Match
The United States men's national team, coached by Mauricio Pochettino, will face Bosnia and Herzegovina next Wednesday in San Francisco. The US is seeking its first World Cup knockout victory since beating Mexico 2-0 in the round of 16 in 2002. Bosnia and Herzegovina, with a population of under 3.5 million, is one of the smallest nations to reach the knockout stage, alongside Cape Verde.
