FIFA withdrew the accreditation of the Paraguayan journalist Jorge “Chipi” Vera, who covered the 2026 World Cup for a group of media in his country, considering that he made comments against the referee Salvadoran Iván Barton and other officials of the organization, after expelling a player Miguel Almirón for covering his mouth
The measure occurred after the communicator’s statements about Barton’s performance during the match between Paraguay and Türkiye, corresponding to the second day of the Group D of the World Cup. In that match, the Paraguayan team won 1-0 with a goal from Matías Galarza.
One of the most talked about events of the match was the expulsion of the Paraguayan Miguel Almirón. The footballer received a red card after an action that the refereeing body considered contrary to the disciplinary provisions established by FIFA.
The arbitration decision provoked various reactions, including those of Vera, who publicly questioned both Barton’s actions and the management of FIFA president Gianni Infantino indicating “Barton, Thief. They killed football. FIFA, you killed football. Infantino, you are responsible for this. Thieves,” he said in his speech.
As a consequence, the journalist lost his accreditation for the 2026 World Cup, which prevents him from covering the tournament as an accredited media representative and accessing the areas designated for the press in the stadiums.
The ABC group of Paraguay reacted with a statement in which it described the decision as a disproportionate measure and expressed its disagreement with the cancellation of accreditation for the rest of the tournament.
Later, Jorge “Chipi” Vera acknowledged his mistake and offered a public apology through a video broadcast on social networks. “My statements were wrong and it is my responsibility to accept them”said the journalist, who also apologized to FIFA, his colleagues and his family.
To public opinion. pic.twitter.com/ix5jwYnqX0
— Jorge Chipi Vera (@ChipiVera89) June 22, 2026
Until now, FIFA maintains the decision taken regarding the accreditation of the Paraguayan communicator.