Have you paid attention to the action so far? Try our World Cup quiz HERE See more Daily Mail on Google - save us as a Preferred SourceBy LIAM MORGAN, ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR Published: 20:13 BST, 23 June 2026 | Updated: 20:18 BST, 23 June 2026
A commentator has been stripped of his accreditation at the World Cup after labelling FIFA 'f***ing thieves' in an expletive-laden rant live on air.Paraguayan Jorge 'Chipi' Vera claims his credentials for the tournament have been revoked in response to his furious tirade aimed at FIFA and president Gianni Infantino.Vera was covering Paraguay's victory over Turkey on ABC in Paraguay on Saturday when Miguel Almiron became the first player to be sent off for covering their mouth.Almiron clashed with an opponent then briefly held his hand over his face as he walked past Turkey's Mert Muldur, who then immediately tried to get the attention of the referee.The official, Ivan Barton, went over to his video monitor and after getting the help of a replay, showed Almiron a straight red under a new law introduced by FIFA.And Vera was furious with Barton while calling out FIFA and Infantino in an extraordinary moment during the broadcaster's coverage of the match. Miguel Almiron (right) clearly had his hand over his face as he clashed with Mert Muldur '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.'Alejandro Domínguez [president of CONMEBOL] 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 b******! What sons of b******! This is inexplicable, this is a disgrace.'They're killing football and leaving us with one less player. Sons of b******.'Vera then took to social media to apologise and revealed his accreditation had been revoked, denying him the chance to cover any further matches at the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.In a long message, Vera said: 'I want to apologise to the audience of ABC Cardinal, ABC TV, and all our platforms who place their trust in our work every day. I failed them in something fundamental: maintaining the composure and respect that this profession demands.'I also want to apologise to my colleagues, those who shared with me this dream of covering a World Cup and who, in one way or another, are affected by a situation I created. I know that from now on they will continue working even harder to bring to fruition this coverage that we have been dreaming of and planning for months. My gratitude and respect to each and every one of them.'I also want to apologise to the companies and brands that supported this project and trusted this coverage. I know this situation has caused them discomfort that should never have existed, and I deeply regret having contributed to it.'To the FIFA authorities and to all the people who may have felt offended by my expressions, I offer my sincerest apologies.'And above all, I want to apologise to my family and to those who love me. I wasn't a good example during those few seconds.'The new rule was introduced ahead of the tournament to help combat racism. It stemmed from Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior alleging he was racially abused by Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni when he covered his mouth while talking to the Brazil star in a Champions League game.Have you paid attention to the action so far? Try our World Cup quiz HERE.
