World Cup Commentator Banned, Apologizes for 'Losing Control' with Controversial Remarks

ABC Cardinal and ABC TV commentator Jorge Chipi Vera had his credentials removed for the remainder of the World Cup, per People's Rachel Raposas, after accusing a referee and FIFA president Gianni Infantino of being "thieves" and "killing football" during Paraguay's 1-0 win over Türkiye on June 19.

Vera was responding to Paraguay's Miguel Ángel being given a red card for directing comments toward a Türkiye player while covering his mouth with his hand. It was the correct interpretation of a new rule installed by the International Football Association Board in April, which was intended to curb players from concealing racist or anti-gay comments made toward an opponent.

"During the broadcast of the match between Paraguay and Turkey, I had an outburst," Vera said in an apology (h/t Reuters). "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."