Full Breakdown
FIFA Revokes Paraguayan Commentator’s World Cup Credential After On-Air Outburst
6/24/2026, 4:28:30 AM
Core Event: Red Card, Suspension and Credential Revocation
On 22 June 2026, Paraguay beat Turkey 1-0. Midfielder Miguel Almirón covered his mouth while speaking to Turkish defender Mert Müldür and was shown a red card by referee Iván Barton after VAR review, invoking new mouth-covering rule. The one-match suspension will see him miss game against Australia. Commentator Jorge Chipí Vera called FIFA president Gianni Infantino and referee “thieves” and accused them of “killing football”. FIFA then revoked Vera’s World Cup credentials.
Background: New Mouth-Covering Rule
In April 2026 the International Football Association Board added a provision allowing competition organisers to issue a red card for players who cover their mouths during confrontations, after a Champions League incident involving Vinícius Júnior and Gianluca Prestianni. FIFA President Gianni Infantino endorsed the rule as essential for respect. The rule gives organisers discretion to enforce it, though it is not mandatory under the Laws of the Game.
Key Figures
Jorge Chipí Vera – commentator for ABC Cardinal/ABC TV.
Miguel Almirón – Paraguay midfielder, first player red-carded under the new rule.
Gianni Infantino – FIFA President, proponent of the rule.
Iván Barton – referee who issued Almirón’s red card.
ABC Cardinal – broadcaster filing an appeal of Vera’s ban.
Data & Statistics
First World Cup red card for mouth-covering, triggering a one-match ban. Paraguay are level on points with Australia but have a –2 goal-difference. The IFAB rule is optional for tournaments. The suspension forces Paraguay to face Australia with ten men, a tactical disadvantage.
Official Statements & Responses
FIFA said Vera’s language breached professional standards and the revocation is non-appealable; a source called the remarks “highly offensive”. Infantino reaffirmed the mouth-covering rule as “very, very important”. Vera posted an X apology, taking responsibility. A FIFA spokesperson said the decision aligns with the broadcaster code of conduct.
Criticism & Opposition
ABC Cardinal called the permanent ban “extreme and manifestly disproportionate” and appealed; analysts note FIFA rarely bans journalists. The appeal argues the sanction exceeds proportionality guidelines for on-air misconduct.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
FIFA has not issued a direct public statement; the exact offensive phrase used by Vera remains undisclosed. Some outlets reported FIFA declined comment, while others cited an internal source.
Verbatim Quotes
- “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.” — Jorge Chipí Vera, commentator
- “If you have nothing to hide, you don’t cover your mouth when you speak to somebody.” — Gianni Infantino, FIFA President
- “I failed you in something fundamental: maintaining the composure and respect that this profession requires.” — Jorge Chipí Vera
- “We believe that the permanent cancellation of a credential for the entire duration of the tournament constitutes an extreme and manifestly disproportionate sanction,” — ABC Cardinal, broadcaster statement
What’s Next
Almirón will miss the Australia match on 27 June; the result decides Paraguay’s knockout chances. FIFA will review ABC Cardinal’s appeal of Vera’s ban before the quarter-finals.
