FIFA revokes credentials of Paraguayan journalist who insulted Salvadoran referee

FIFA has revoked the credentials of Paraguayan journalist Jorge 'Chipi' Vera, who was covering the 2026 World Cup for a group of media outlets in his home country. The sanction follows repeated personal attacks and derogatory comments made by Vera against Salvadoran referee Iván Barton and other FIFA officials. Vera's criticism intensified after Barton's officiating during the match between Paraguay and Turkey, which Paraguay won 1-0. Notably, Paraguayan player Miguel Almirón received a red card in that game, a situation that drew significant ire from Vera towards the referee and FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

As a result of the ban, Vera will not be able to cover the World Cup on his media group's platforms and is barred from entering World Cup stadiums as a journalist. The Paraguayan media group ABC has described the decision as an extreme and disproportionate sanction for what they termed a primary offense that was immediately acknowledged. They issued a statement on Monday expressing their view on the cancellation of Vera's credentials for the entire tournament.

Vera, a well-known sports journalist in Paraguay, has acknowledged his comments were inappropriate and has offered apologies to FIFA, his colleagues, and his family. In a video posted on social media, he appeared visibly affected by the decision, stating, "What I said was wrong and it is my responsibility to assume it." He added, "I was not a good example during those seconds."