FIFA World Cup 2026: Journalist loses accreditation after on-air outburst over Almiron’s red card

A football commentator has been stripped of his World Cup credentials by FIFA after an expletive-laden tirade against the organization and match officials during Paraguay’s 1-0 win over Turkey when Miguel Almiron was sent off.

Jorge Chipi Vera lost his cool on live television as Paraguay’s Almiron became the first player to be sent off from the tournament for violating a strict new rule banning covering the mouth during on-field confrontations.

Almiron was dismissed for comments against Turkey’s Mert Muldur in which he held his hand over his mouth in stoppage time in the first half.

The outraged broadcaster called FIFA president Gianni Infantino and the referee «thieves» and accused them of «killing football» as Paraguay did for 10 men, but he later apologized and said late on Monday on X that his accreditation had been withdrawn.

“During the broadcast of the Paraguay-Turkey match I had an outburst,” Vera says in the lengthy apology.

“Amidst my frustration over the expulsion of a player from my country, and the feeling that my national team was being harmed, I used offensive and unacceptable expressions against the referee, FIFA and its authorities.”

Vera said the sanction meant he can no longer participate in his media’s World Cup coverage «both inside and outside the stadiums» and that it includes «any form of participation or reporting related to the World Cup.»

FIFA declined to comment, but a source familiar with the matter said the governing body found Vera’s language unacceptable and that his actions did not meet the standards of professionalism expected of accredited broadcasters.

Vera, who works for ABC Cardinal and ABC TV, also apologized to sponsors who support the platforms’ reporting and said he had sent a letter of apology to FIFA, taking full responsibility for his actions.

“Questioning a rule or disagreeing with a referee’s decision never justifies losing control like I did,” he added.

«I have failed you in something fundamental: maintaining the composure and respect that this profession requires.»

Published on June 23, 2026