COMMENTATOR LOSES WORLD CUP CREDENTIALS AFTER TIRADE AGAINST FIFA

Jorge Chipi Vera has been stripped of his World Cup accreditation by FIFA following an expletive-laden outburst on live television during Paraguay's 1-0 victory over Turkey. Vera lost his composure when Paraguay winger Miguel Almirón was sent off for covering his mouth during an on-field confrontation with Turkey player Mert Muldur. The commentator called FIFA president Gianni Infantino and match referee Iván Barton "thieves" and accused them of "killing football" as Paraguay were reduced to ten men.

Almirón became the first player dismissed at the tournament for violating a new rule that forbids covering mouths during confrontations. Salvadorian referee Barton sent off Almirón in first-half stoppage time for remarks made to Muldur. Vera works for ABC Cardinal and ABC TV, which broadcast the match to his audience.

Vera issued an apology on social media stating that his accreditation had been cancelled, preventing him from participating in World Cup coverage "either inside the stadiums or outside them". He acknowledged in his statement that "questioning a rule or disagreeing with a refereeing decision never justifies losing control the way I did" and said he had sent a formal letter of apology to FIFA. Vera said he had failed to maintain "the composure and respect that this profession requires" and also apologised to sponsors supporting the networks' coverage.