The Paraguayan national team is experiencing a whirlwind in its return to the World Cup after 16 years. The players have gone from disappointment to hope in the last two weeks, facing not only its sporting rivals but also new regulations implemented by the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) that have generated controversy, sanctions, and a profound debate within the football world.
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The most recent episode involved Paraguayan journalist Jorge ‘Chipi’ Vera. During the radio broadcast of Paraguay’s 1-0 victory over Turkey in the second match of Group D, FIFA revoked his accreditation to cover the World Cup.
The sanction was in response to Vera’s criticism of Salvadoran referee Iván Barton and FIFA President Gianni Infantino following the controversial expulsion of Miguel Almirón. “Thief, thief, thief! Barton, thief! You killed football, FIFA, you killed football! Infantino, you’re responsible for this!” Vera exclaimed live on air, in an outburst that cost him his press credentials.
Later, the commentator offered a public apology on his social media, describing his statements as an “outburst” stemming from the emotion of feeling his team was being wronged. The governing body’s decision sparked a wave of solidarity in Paraguay.
#ALaGran730 #MundialxABC
Senador cuestiona revocación de credenciales de la FIFA a periodista de ABC Jorge “Chipi” Vera
— ABC Cardinal 730 AM (@ABCCardinal) June 24, 2026
The text reads, “Senator Questions FIFA’s Revocation of Credentials for ABC Journalist Jorge “Chipi” Vera” An expulsion already seems like too much to me. That a journalist’s criticism should be punished so severely makes us think. My solidarity with him and with all sports journalists because now they’re going to be muzzled,” Senator Eduardo Nakayama.”
This regulation, created after the controversy surrounding alleged racism between Gianluca Prestianni and Vinicius Junior, resulted in Almirón becoming the first player sent off for covering his mouth while addressing an opponent. However, the tactical and disciplinary confusion of the Paraguayan national team regarding the new protocols was evident during the match against Turkey.
Faced with this situation, coach Gustavo Alfaro admitted the difficulties of adapting: “I’m finding it hard to play this sport, this new sport, because we’re playing a new sport.” Despite playing with ten men in the second half against Turkey, the team secured a victory that renewed their hopes.
Now, the next challenge for the Guaraní is Australia, a physically imposing opponent that Paraguay has yet to defeat in five friendly matches. La Albirroja will face the Australians in Santa Clara on Thursday.
#FIFAWorldCup | The International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) announced that Mexican referee Katia Garcia will officiate the Group F match between Tunisia and the Netherlands, to take place in Kansas City on Thursday.https://t.co/FBZMmcKZzJ
— teleSUR English (@telesurenglish) June 23, 2026
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