FIFA pulls commentator’s World Cup pass after live on-air rant
What's new: Jorge Chipi Vera said the ban bars any World Cup coverage, inside or outside stadiums, after he insulted Gianni Infantino and a referee.
FIFA revoked Paraguayan commentator Jorge Chipi Vera’s World Cup accreditation after he launched an expletive-filled live broadcast rant during Paraguay’s 1-0 win over Turkey. Vera lashed out after Miguel Almirón was sent off in first-half stoppage time for speaking to Turkey’s Mert Muldur while covering his mouth, a violation of a new tournament rule. Vera called FIFA president Gianni Infantino and referee Iván Barton “thieves” and accused them of “killing football.” He later apologized on X, said he had written to FIFA accepting responsibility, and said the sanction blocks him from any World Cup-related work for ABC Cardinal and ABC TV, whether inside or outside stadiums.