Jorge Chipi Vera is out of the 2026 World Cup. But he can’t say he didn’t get his money’s worth.
The Paraguyan broadcaster had his World Cup credentials revoked by FIFA earlier this week following an expletive-filled rant during his country’s match against Türkiye on Friday.
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Vera was incensed after a referee Ivan Barton issued a red card to Paraguay‘s Miguel Almirón in the first half. Almirón appeared to have said something to Türkiye’s Mert Müldür while covering his mouth with his hand, which is now an ejectable offense as part of FIFA’s effort against racial abuse.
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It was the first time such a red card was issued during the World Cup, and Vera wasn’t pleased that his country was first to feel the sting. Between curses, he name-checked Barton, FIFA president Gianni Infantino and CONMEBOL president Alejandro Dominguez.
His translated comments, via Awful Announcing:
“Thief, thief, Barton … 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 Dominguez, 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****es! This is inexplicable, this is a disgrace. They’re killing football and leaving us with one less player.”
Paraguay went on to win the match 1-0.
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Three days later, Vera posted an apology on social media. The Athletic’s translation:
“During the broadcast of the match between Paraguay and Turkey, I had an outburst,” the broadcaster said.
“In the midst of my frustration over the expulsion of a player from my country, and feeling that my national team was being harmed, I used offensive and unacceptable expressions against the referee, FIFA, and its authorities.”
ABC Cardinal, Vera’s employer, reportedly appealed the decision, but he posted another message on Thursday thanking fans for their support and saying he plans to watch Thursday’s game against Australia from the stands at Levi Stadium in Santa Clara, California.
