Paraguayan commentator has been banned by FIFA for the remainder of the World Cup after his on-air rant during Paraguay’s 1-0 win over Turkey.
Matias Galarza’s early goal sealed a vital victory for Paraguay after they were hammered 4-1 by the United States in their Group D opener.
But Paraguay were furious when Miguel Almiron became the first player at the World Cup to be sent off for speaking while covering his mouth.
The red card sparked anger from commentator Jorge ‘Chipi’ Vera, who was covering the game live for Paraguayan network ABC.
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Vera branded the Salvadoran referee, Ivan Barton, a thief before he launched a verbal attack towards FIFA president Gianni Infantino.
‘Thief, thief, Barton,’ Vera said.
‘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.’
Vera then turned directed his fury towards Alejandro Dominguez, the CONMEBOL president.
‘Alejandro Dominguez, less photos with Infantino. Grow a pair. You f***ing thieves,’ he said.
‘Is this what we have to come and see at a World Cup?
What sons of bitches! What sons of bitches! This is inexplicable,
this is a disgrace. They’re killing football and leaving us with one less player. Sons of bitches.’
FIFA has now revoked Vera’s accreditation, which prevents him from commentating on any more World Cup games this summer.
Speaking after FIFA’s decision, Vera issued an apology for his ‘offensive and unacceptable language’.
Vera said: ‘FIFA has decided to cancel my accreditation for this World Cup. In effect, this means that I will no longer be able to participate in ABC’s coverage of this World Cup, either inside or outside the stadiums. The sanction covers any type of participation or coverage related to the World Cup on the platforms of the media outlet for which I work.
‘I’m not here to make excuses. Questioning a rule or disagreeing with a referee’s decision never justifies losing control the way I did. Nor am I here to shift blame. What I said was wrong, and I have to own up to it.
‘Admitting my mistake doesn’t necessarily mean sharing everything that happened afterward. However, I understand that this isn’t the time to debate the consequences, but rather to take responsibility for my actions.
‘In the last few hours, I have also sent a letter to FIFA expressing my sincere apologies for what happened. I would have liked to have had the opportunity to do so personally and explain firsthand, respectfully and honestly, what happened that night.
FIFA’s new rule on red cards for speaking with mouth covered
FIFA’s new law prohibits players from covering their mouths during ‘confrontational situations’ to combat discriminatory and inappropriate behaviour.
The International Football Association Board has stated: ‘Any player covering their mouth in a confrontational situation with an opponent may be sanctioned with a red card.’
‘It’s true that everyone will have their own opinion about the sanction; some will believe it was fair, others that it may have been excessive and disproportionate. But today I don’t want to focus on that; I want to focus on my responsibility as a communicator and as a person.
‘Therefore, I want to apologise to the audience of ABC Cardinal, ABC TV, and all our platforms who place their trust in our work every day. I failed them in something fundamental: maintaining the composure and respect that this profession demands.
‘I also want to apologise to my colleagues, those who shared with me this dream of covering a World Cup and who, in one way or another, are affected by a situation I created. I know that from now on they will continue working even harder to bring to fruition this coverage that we have been dreaming of and planning for months. My gratitude and respect to each and every one of them.
‘I also want to apologise to the companies and brands that supported this project and trusted this coverage. I know this situation has caused them discomfort that should never have existed, and I deeply regret having contributed to it.
‘To the FIFA authorities and to all the people who may have felt offended by my expressions, I offer my sincerest apologies.
‘And above all, I want to apologise to my family and to those who love me. I wasn’t a good example during those few seconds.
‘I have been practicing this profession for many years with passion, commitment, and love for the sport. That experience doesn’t exempt me from making mistakes, but it does compel me to acknowledge them when they occur.
‘I accept this situation with humility, I will learn from it, and when possible and appropriate, I will continue working to honor the trust of those who have supported me for so many years. At the same time, I trust that all the circumstances of this episode can be assessed with serenity, balance, and a sense of justice.’
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