A football commentator has been stripped of his World Cup ‌credentials by FIFA after an expletive-laden tirade against the organisation and match officials during Paraguay’s 1-0 victory over Turkey in which Miguel Almiron was sent off.

Jorge Chipi Vera lost his composure on live television when Paraguay’s Almiron became the first player sent off at the ​tournament for violating a new rule that forbids players from covering their mouths during on-field confrontations.

Almiron was ​dismissed for remarks made to Turkey’s Mert Muldur with his hand covering his mouth ⁠in first-half stoppage time.

The furious broadcaster called FIFA President Gianni Infantino and the referee “thieves”, accusing them of “killing football” ​as Paraguay were reduced to 10 men, but he later apologised and said on X late on Monday that ​his accreditation had been cancelled.

“During the broadcast of the match between Paraguay and Turkey, I had an outburst,” Vera said in his lengthy apology.

“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.”

Vera said the ​sanction meant he can no longer participate in his media outlet’s World Cup coverage “either inside the stadiums or outside them” and ‌it covers “any ⁠type of participation or coverage related to the World Cup”.

FIFA declined to comment, but a source familiar with the matter said the governing body considered Vera’s language unacceptable and his actions inconsistent with the standards of professionalism expected of accredited broadcast personnel.

FREEDOM OF SPEECH

The source suggested that, while FIFA had no problem with freedom of speech ​against the laws of the ​game, Vera’s repeated use ⁠of a highly offensive Spanish phrase directed at FIFA officials was viewed as particularly shocking.

FIFA banning journalists from tournaments is extremely rare.

Under former President Sepp Blatter, ​freelance investigative reporter Andrew Jennings was barred from all FIFA events following his allegations ​of corruption in ⁠soccer’s global governing body, many of which were subsequently vindicated in the U.S. courts.

Vera, who works for ABC Cardinal and ABC TV, also apologised to sponsors that support the platforms’ coverage and said he had sent a letter of ⁠apology to ​FIFA, taking full responsibility for his actions.

“Questioning a rule or disagreeing ​with a refereeing decision never justifies losing control the way I did,” he added.

“I failed you in something fundamental: maintaining the composure and respect ​that this profession requires.”

-Reuters

Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H

 

 

Cristiano Ronaldo added another remarkable chapter to his legendary career by becoming the first player in FIFA World Cup history to score in six different tournaments.

The Portugal captain reached the milestone when he opened the scoring in his country’s Group K match against Uzbekistan in Houston, finishing clinically from close range after a cross from João Cancelo.

The goal ended a frustrating run of 10 matches without scoring at major international finals and further strengthened Ronaldo’s place among football’s greatest players.

Fact File: Cristiano Ronaldo’s World Cup Milestone

• Historic Achievement: First player to score in six FIFA World Cups.
• World Cup Goals: Equalled Portugal legend Eusébio’s record of nine World Cup goals.
• World Cup Appearances: Featured in every World Cup from Germany 2006 to USA-Canada-Mexico 2026.
• Scored at the 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022 and 2026 World Cups.
• International Goals: 144 goals, the highest total in men’s international football.
• International Caps: 230 appearances, a men’s world record.
• Opponent: Uzbekistan.
• Venue: Houston Stadium, Houston, Texas.
• Assist Provider: João Cancelo.
• Goal Type: Right-foot finish from six yards.

World Cup Timeline

• 2006 (Germany): First World Cup appearance and first World Cup goal.
• 2010 (South Africa): Scored in Portugal’s campaign.
• 2014 (Brazil): Added to his World Cup tally.
• 2018 (Russia): Produced one of the tournament’s iconic performances with a hat-trick against Spain.
• 2022 (Qatar): Became the first male player to score in five World Cups.
• 2026 (USA, Canada & Mexico): Extended the record to six World Cups.

At 41 years old, Ronaldo continues to rewrite football history, setting standards that may stand for generations.

Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H

 

 

 

Ghana produced a disciplined defensive masterclass to hold England to a goalless draw in their FIFA World Cup Group L clash on Tuesday, strengthening the Black Stars’ hopes of reaching the knockout stage while frustrating one of the tournament favourites.

The result left both teams well placed heading into their final group matches, although England will feel they missed an opportunity to secure early qualification after opening their campaign with an entertaining 4-2 victory over Croatia.

For Ghana, however, the point was richly deserved after a resolute display that effectively neutralised England’s formidable attacking weapons.

Coach Carlos Queiroz made his intentions clear from the outset, setting up his side to deny space to Harry Kane and England’s creative players while looking to strike on the counterattack.

Playing under a steady drizzle, England dominated possession, enjoying nearly 80 per cent of the ball during the first half. Yet despite their territorial advantage, Thomas Tuchel’s side struggled to penetrate Ghana’s compact defensive structure.

The Black Stars swarmed around Kane whenever he ventured into dangerous areas and closed down passing lanes with remarkable discipline.

Their effectiveness was reflected in a remarkable statistic: the opening 45 minutes became the first half of any match at the 2026 World Cup in which neither side managed a shot on target.

Tuchel had warned before the encounter that Ghana would be tactically well organised under Queiroz, who is appearing at his fifth FIFA World Cup as a coach and whose experience includes two spells as assistant manager at Manchester United.

England assistant coach Anthony Barry admitted at halftime that Ghana’s defensive approach had surprised the Three Lions.

“They are defending deep, deep, deep — probably deeper than we expected,” Barry observed, urging patience from England’s players.

As the match wore on, Tuchel turned to his bench in search of inspiration.

Bukayo Saka and Nico O’Reilly were introduced after 65 minutes, while Morgan Rogers and Eberechi Eze followed shortly afterwards. Marcus Rashford was later thrown into the fray as England intensified their search for a breakthrough.

Yet Ghana remained composed and organised.

Having snatched a dramatic last-gasp 1-0 victory over Panama in their opening match, the Black Stars also carried a threat of their own, particularly through the pace of Antoine Semenyo and substitute Prince Kwabena Adu on the counterattack.

England’s best opportunity finally arrived four minutes from time.

O’Reilly rose highest to meet a cross and sent a header crashing against the crossbar. The rebound fell kindly to Kane, but the England captain blasted over from close range in a miss that summed up his side’s frustrating evening.

England captain Harry Kane, midfielder Declan Rice and substitute Nico O’Reilly show their disappointment after the Three Lions were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw by a resolute Ghana side in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group L encounter at Boston Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts, on June 23, 2026. Photos: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters/David Butler II; Reuters/Peter Cziborra.

The Three Lions piled forward during the closing minutes, but Ghana’s defenders stood firm to secure a valuable point.

The draw leaves Ghana in a strong position heading into their decisive final group encounter against Croatia, while England will face Panama seeking the result that will guarantee progression.

For Queiroz and his players, the performance was another demonstration that tactical discipline and collective effort can still frustrate even the most talented opponents on football’s biggest stage.

Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H