FIFA has revoked the World Cup credentials of Paraguayan football commentator Jorge Chipi Vera after he launched an expletive-filled tirade during Paraguay’s 1-0 win over Turkey on June 19, 2026 [1, 2, 3, 4].

The incident unfolded after Miguel Almiron became the first player to receive a red card at the 2026 FIFA World Cup for covering his mouth while speaking to an opponent. Salvadoran referee Iván Barton issued the red card following a video assistant referee (VAR) review, citing a newly adopted rule prohibiting players from covering their mouths during confrontations on the pitch [1, 2, 3, 4].

FIFA president Gianni Infantino defended the regulation, noting, "This thing about covering the mouth is for us a very, very important rule. It’s about respect; it’s about the example that we should give. If you have nothing to hide, you don’t cover your mouth when you speak to somebody" [3].

During his broadcast commentary, Vera accused Infantino and referee Barton of being "thieves" and claimed they were "killing football," remarks widely seen as crossing professional boundaries [1, 2, 4]. Vera later apologized publicly on X (formerly Twitter), stating, "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" [1].

Following the outburst, FIFA confirmed the cancellation of Vera’s accreditation, barring him from all World Cup coverage inside and outside stadiums [1, 2, 4].

In parallel, the governing body confirmed that Almiron will serve a one-match suspension, forcing him to miss Paraguay’s final group fixture against Australia [3]. The new rule banning mouth covering was introduced by the International Football Association Board with FIFA's backing to improve transparency during in-game confrontations [3].

This disciplinary action serves as the latest enforcement around the 2026 tournament’s updated regulations and media conduct. Paraguay will face Australia in their final group match without Almiron.