World Cup 2026: FIFA revokes commentator's right to work after controversial statement
FIFA has officially stripped commentator Jorge Vera of his right to work after he made inappropriate comments about a controversial decision in the match between Paraguay and Türkiye.
FIFA stripped commentator Jorge Vera of his right to work after a cursed statement on television related to Miguel Almiron's controversial decision to red card in Paraguay's 1-0 win over Türkiye. In this match, Almiron became the first player in the tournament and in football history to be shown a red card simply for covering his mouth when talking to an opponent. This player covered his mouth with his hand when talking to Türkiye's Mert Muldur, and Muldur immediately informed the referee standing next to him. After review by VAR technology, Almiron was sent off the field at the end of the first half, making Vera angry and calling FIFA president Gianni Infantino and referee Ivan Barton "thieves" and accusing them of "killing football". Afterwards, Vera apologized for his statements and announced on social networks that his acting rights were canceled. "Amidst the disappointment of seeing a player from my country sent off, I used unacceptable and offensive words towards the referee, FIFA and their bodies," Vera said. He also said the FIFA ban made it impossible for him to continue working for Paraguayan television channels such as ABC Cardinal and ABC TV to cover the World Cup, both inside and outside the stadium. This also extends to "any type of participation or coverage related to the World Cup". Vera sent a letter of apology to FIFA, accepting full responsibility for her actions. "Protesting a rule or disagreeing with a referee's decision never justifies losing control like I did," he added. "I failed at what is essential: maintaining the calm and respect that this profession requires." FIFA has not yet commented on Vera's deprivation of professional rights. However, Reuters sources said FIFA considered Vera's language unacceptable and his actions fell short of the standards that licensed broadcasters are required to adhere to.
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