Fifa has taken swift action against commentator Jorge Vera, stripping him of his World Cup credentials after an on-air, expletive-laden rant against the organisation and match officials during Paraguay's 1-0 victory over Turkey.
The 32-year-old Vera lost his composure live on television when Paraguay midfielder Miguel Almiron became the first player in the tournament, and football history, to be shown a red card for covering his mouth while speaking to an opponent.
After a check by the video assistant referee (VAR), Almiron was sent off at the end of the first half, with Vera calling Fifa president Gianni Infantino and referee Ivan Barton 'thieves' and accusing them of 'killing football'. He also used profane language.
Vera later apologised for his outburst and posted on X, stating that his accreditation had been cancelled.
'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,' said Vera.
He added that Fifa's sanction means he can no longer work on Paraguayan channels ABC Cardinal and ABC TV's World Cup coverage, either inside or outside the stadiums.