Paraguayan commentator stripped of World Cup credentials after on-air tirade against FIFA

A Paraguayan football commentator has been stripped of his World Cup media credentials after unleashing a profanity-laden tirade against FIFA and match officials during a live broadcast of the North and Central America World Cup.

FIFA revoked the accreditation of Jorge Vera, a commentator for Paraguayan broadcaster ABC Cardinal, according to The Independent and other outlets. The ban bars Vera from all forms of participation and coverage related to the World Cup, both inside and outside stadiums.

The incident occurred during the live broadcast of the Group D second-round match between Paraguay and Turkey on June 19. Late in first-half stoppage time, Paraguay's Miguel Almiron appeared to say something to Turkey's Mert Müldür while covering his mouth with his hand. Müldür reported the exchange to the referee, and after a video assistant referee review, Almiron was sent off.

Almiron received a red card under a rule newly introduced at this tournament, which states that covering one's mouth while speaking to an opponent may be treated as discriminatory language and result in a dismissal. The decision enraged Vera, who unleashed a torrent of abuse at the referee and FIFA during the live broadcast.

Vera shouted at the referee, "Thief! Thief!" and then turned on FIFA and its president, Gianni Infantino. "You have killed football. Infantino, you are responsible for all of this," he said. He continued, saying "FIFA must be held accountable for what it has done to football. This is truly shameful," and adding that Infantino "should be ashamed of himself."

Vera then directed further expletives at the officials — "Be men, you damn thieves!" — while defending Almiron. "What kind of racial discrimination could Almiron possibly be making? Use some common sense," he said. He also lashed out at CONMEBOL president Alejandro Dominguez, telling him to "stop taking photos with Infantino."

FIFA ultimately revoked Vera's credentials, and he subsequently published a lengthy apology on social media, acknowledging responsibility for his conduct.

"I lost control of my emotions watching our player get sent off during the Paraguay-Turkey match," he said, adding that he had used "offensive and unacceptable language toward the referee, FIFA and FIFA officials."

He went on to say that "disagreeing with a specific rule or a refereeing decision cannot justify losing control of one's emotions the way I did," and acknowledged that he had failed to maintain "the composure and respect that this profession demands."

Vera delivered a formal letter of apology to FIFA, and his broadcaster also issued a statement calling on FIFA to reconsider the ban.

Meanwhile, Paraguay played the second half a man down following Almiron's dismissal but held on to beat Turkey 1-0. Paraguay face Australia in their final group-stage match on Thursday.