Background on Katia Itzel García and the Incident
Katia Itzel García, a 32-year-old Mexican soccer referee, recently officiated a Leagues Cup match between Monterrey and Cincinnati in the United States. Following her performance, García faced severe online harassment, including death threats. This incident has drawn attention from prominent figures in the soccer world, including Claudia Sheinbaum, the President of Mexico City, and Gianni Infantino, FIFA’s president.
Support from Claudia Sheinbaum
During her regular morning press conference, President Claudia Sheinbaum expressed her support for García, calling her performance “a feat.” She emphasized that García must be “three times better” than her male counterparts to gain recognition in the male-dominated field. Sheinbaum also announced that her government would reach out to García to determine if she requires any support.
Condemnation from FIFA and Mexican Soccer Federation
FIFA President Gianni Infantino condemned the threats against García on his Instagram account, stating that such acts are deeply troubling. The Mexican Soccer Federation (FMF) released a statement condemning the intimidation and threats directed at García, which she documented and shared on social media.
Match Details and Context
Monterrey suffered a 3-2 defeat against Cincinnati in the opening round of the Leagues Cup, a tournament featuring teams from Major League Soccer (MLS) and Mexico’s Liga MX.
Gender Bias and Violence Against Women in Mexico
In Mexico, gender-based violence remains a significant issue. According to the United Nations, an average of 10 women and girls are killed daily due to gender-based violence. This context highlights the importance of Sheinbaum’s and other leaders’ support for García, as it sends a powerful message against such harmful behaviors.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is Katia Itzel García? Katia Itzel García is a 32-year-old Mexican soccer referee who officiated a Leagues Cup match between Monterrey and Cincinnati.
- What happened to García after the match? Following the game, García received severe online harassment, including death threats.
- Who has supported García? Claudia Sheinbaum, the President of Mexico City, and Gianni Infantino, FIFA’s president, have publicly expressed their support for García.
- What is the Leagues Cup? The Leagues Cup is a soccer tournament featuring teams from Major League Soccer (MLS) and Mexico’s Liga MX.
- Why is this incident significant? This incident sheds light on the ongoing issue of gender-based violence and discrimination against women in Mexico and beyond.
