Commentator stripped of Fifa credentials over Almiron rant

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Figure caption,

Paraguay's Almiron sent off for covering mouth in confrontation

ByLorraine McKennaBBC Sport Journalist

Published43 minutes ago

Fifa has stripped a commentator of his World Cup credentials after an on-air, expletive-laden rant against the organisation and match officials during Paraguay's 1-0 victory over Turkey.

Jorge Vera lost his composure live on television when Paraguay midfielder Miguel Almiron became the first player in the tournament, and football history, to be shown a red card for covering his mouth while speaking to an opponent.

The 32-year-old obscured his mouth with his hand while speaking to Turkey's Mert Muldur, who immediately informed an official standing next to him.

After a check by the video assistant referee (VAR), Almiron was sent off at the end of the first half, with Vera calling Fifa president Gianni Infantino and referee Ivan Barton "thieves" and accusing them of "killing football".

He later apologised for his outburst and posted on X, external on Monday that his accreditation had been cancelled.

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"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," said Vera.

He added Fifa's sanction means he can longer work on Paraguayan channels ABC Cardinal and ABC TV's World Cup coverage, either inside or outside the stadiums.

It also extends to "any type of participation or coverage related to the World Cup".

Vera sent a letter of apology to football's world governing body, taking full responsibility for his actions.

"Questioning a rule or disagreeing ⁠with a refereeing decision never justifies losing control the way I did," he added.

"I failed you in something fundamental: maintaining the composure and respect that this profession requires."

Fifa has not commented on Vera's claims his credentials have been revoked.

However, news agency Reuters cited sources close to the matter saying football's world governing body considered Vera's language unacceptable and his actions falling below standards expected of accredited broadcasters.