On-Air Outburst Leads to World Cup Ban
Paraguayan Commentator Jorge Vera Banned from World Cup After On-Air Tirade Defending Almirón
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Key Points
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The on-air tirade specifically targeted Salvadoran referee Ivan Barton, with Vera calling him a thief during Paraguay's 1-0 win over Turkey.
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Vera issued an apology after FIFA revoked his accreditation, stating that his language was offensive and unacceptable.
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ABC Cardinal publicly urged FIFA to reconsider the sanction, describing it as extreme and a one-off incident that was promptly acknowledged.
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The World Cup introduced a language rule that led to Almirón being sent off for covering his mouth, making him the first player to be sent off under that rule.
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Paraguay beat Turkey 1-0 in the group stage with Matias Galarza scoring early, after having lost 4-1 to the United States in their Group D opener, providing broader context to the match.
FIFA has banned Paraguayan commentator Jorge "Chipi" Vera from covering any remaining 2026 World Cup matches after he launched a live on-air tirade during Paraguay's 1-0 win over Turkey on June 19. Vera called referee Ivan Barton a "thief" and accused FIFA President Gianni Infantino of "killing football" after midfielder Miguel Almirón was sent off for covering his mouth — the first red card of its kind in World Cup history, according to Metro.
FIFA formally revoked Vera's accreditation on June 21, notifying his employer, ABC Cardinal, that the ban was permanent for the remainder of the tournament. The punishment came two days before Vera issued a public apology on social media, admitting he "lost control," according to Give Me Sport.
Almirón's Red Card Lit the Fuse
The flashpoint came in the 45th minute. Almirón was spotted covering his mouth while speaking to Turkey's Mert Müldür during a scuffle after a foul. Referee Ivan Barton consulted VAR and issued a straight red card — the first time in World Cup history a player was sent off under the new mouth-covering rule, according to The Sun.
The rule, nicknamed the "Vinícius Law," was approved by the International Football Association Board in April 2026. It mandates a straight red card for any player who covers their mouth during a confrontation. The law was introduced after Real Madrid's Vinícius Júnior alleged racial abuse in a Champions League match where the accused player had covered his mouth, making the claim impossible to verify. Paraguay's coach Gustavo Alfaro acknowledged the rule but warned, "I fear we are too strict and football loses its essence," according to Crypto Briefing.
Vera's Tirade Targeted Referee, Infantino, and CONMEBOL Chief
Broadcasting live for ABC Cardinal, Vera did not hold back. He called referee Barton a "thief." He accused Infantino of being "responsible for killing football." He also turned on CONMEBOL president Alejandro Domínguez, telling him to "grow a pair" and stop taking "less photos with Infantino," according to Head Top Topics.
FIFA cited "repeated personal attacks and derogatory comments directed at FIFA officials" as the basis for revoking Vera's credential. The penalty was swift — the ban came just 48 hours after the match. Vera responded on June 22, posting a public apology. "Questioning a rule or disagreeing with a referee's decision never justifies losing control the way I did," he wrote, according to Give Me Sport.
ABC Cardinal Calls the Ban Extreme and Disproportionate
ABC Cardinal released a formal statement on June 23 pushing back on FIFA's decision. The broadcaster described the sanction as "extreme" and "disproportionate." The network argued that Vera's outburst was a first offense, that he apologized quickly, and that a temporary suspension or fine would have been more fitting than a full tournament ban, according to Crypto Briefing.
Media analysts noted the ban is "unprecedented" for a commentator and puts "freedom of speech under the microscope" at a major sporting event. ABC Cardinal must now reshuffle its lead commentary team for the rest of Paraguay's World Cup run — a significant disruption for one of the country's biggest broadcasters, according to Metro.
Paraguay Hangs On After a Chaotic Match
Despite the drama, Paraguay held on to win 1-0. Matias Galarza scored after just 64 seconds — the fastest goal of the 2026 tournament at that point. The result gave Paraguay 3 points in Group D, matching Australia. The USA leads the group with 6 points after two games, while Turkey sits on 0, according to The Sun.
Paraguay entered the Turkey match on the back of a bruising 4-1 loss to the United States in their Group D opener on June 12. With Almirón now suspended for their final group game against Australia, Paraguay faces a critical test to advance. The side will also do so without the voice that has long been the "iconic voice of ABC Paraguay" calling their matches, according to Head Top Topics.
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