Background on Katia Itzel García
Katia Itzel García, a 32-year-old Mexican referee, has been making waves in the sports world. Recently, she served as the central referee during a Leagues Cup match between Monterrey and Cincinnati. Her performance in this high-profile game has brought attention to her career and the challenges she faces.
Incident Details
Following the match, which Monterrey lost 3-2 to Cincinnati, García took to Instagram to share the disturbing messages she received on social media. These included death threats and insults, highlighting the intense scrutiny referees face in professional sports.
A controversial goal by Cincinnati at the 53rd minute, initially ruled out for offside but later validated through VAR review, sparked controversy and seemingly fueled the backlash directed at García.
Support from Federación Mexicana de Fútbol (FMF) and CONCACAF
The Federación Mexicana de Fútbol (FMF) and CONCACAF swiftly condemned the violent messages directed at García. The FMF, through its Referees Commission, strongly denounced the intimidation and threats against García, who holds a FIFA badge.
The FMF expressed its “total support” for García’s public statements and pledged to “advise and accompany her in the denunciation process against the relevant authorities.”
Both the FMF and CONCACAF guaranteed the “integrity and safety” of García and all referees participating in the Leagues Cup tournament.
CONCACAF took to Twitter to firmly back García and condemn the “shameful and unacceptable” threats she received. The organization committed to supporting García, promoting respect across all levels of sport, and collaborating with interested parties and regional partners—including the FMF and Leagues Cup—to investigate the accounts that posted the threats.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is Katia Itzel García? Katia Itzel García is a 32-year-old Mexican referee who recently officiated as the central referee in a Leagues Cup match between Monterrey and Cincinnati.
- What happened after the match? Following the match, García shared on Instagram that she received death threats and insults on social media due to her performance as a referee.
- How did FMF and CONCACAF respond? Both organizations condemned the violent messages directed at García and pledged their support, ensuring her safety and the integrity of all referees in the Leagues Cup tournament.
