FIFA revokes Paraguayan journalist's accreditation over 'derogatory comments' about referee

FIFA has revoked the accreditation of Paraguayan journalist Jorge "Chipi" Vera, who was covering the North American World Cup for a group of media outlets in his home country. The decision came after Vera made what FIFA described as "repeated personal attacks and derogatory comments" targeting referee Iván Barton and other officials associated with the sport's governing body.

The sanction follows specific criticisms Vera leveled against Salvadoran referee Iván Barton's performance during the match between Paraguay and Turkey. In that Group D game, Paraguay secured a 1-0 victory with a goal from Matías Galarza. Vera's commentary also extended to other FIFA officials, including president Gianni Infantino.

Vera's strong reactions were reportedly triggered by several incidents during the tournament. One such instance involved Paraguayan player Miguel Almirón being the first to be sent off for covering his mouth while addressing an opponent. FIFA had implemented this rule following a controversy involving Argentinian player Gianluca Prestianni and Brazilian player Vinicius Junior. Vera's vocal criticism of the referee and FIFA's regulations stemmed from these events.

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repeated personal attacks and derogatory comments