Sergio Bueno Faces Sanctions After Inappropriate Conduct During Liga MX Match

Sergio Bueno, head coach of Mazatlán FC, has been sanctioned by the Mexican Football Federation (FMF) following inappropriate conduct directed at referee Katia Itzel García during a recent Liga MX match. The FMF imposed a one-match suspension, a monetary fine, and mandated community service promoting gender equality as part of the disciplinary measures, according to El Financiero and La Jornada.

The incident occurred during a game between Pumas and Mazatlán, where Bueno was expelled late in the match after making a sexist comment toward García while leaving the field. Reports from Aristegui Noticias detail that Bueno’s remark was seen as disrespectful toward women’s courage in the sport, drawing widespread condemnation from civic organizations per Lopez Doriga Digital.

Katia Itzel García, who recently gained attention for her historic selection as a referee for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, was supported by the FMF, which stressed its zero-tolerance stance on misconduct in Mexican football. The federation’s Disciplinary and Diversity & Gender Committees jointly handled the case, underscoring ongoing efforts to enhance respect and inclusion within the league, as reported by La Jornada.

Bueno’s sanction also includes a warning for future conduct and community service aimed at promoting gender equity in sports, highlighting institutional attempts to address misconduct beyond mere penalties. The enforcement of these rules reflects the FMF’s commitment to fostering a respectful environment for referees and female participants in Mexican football, noted by Lopez Doriga Digital and El Financiero.

Moving forward, the FMF’s handling of this case will be closely observed for its role in setting precedents regarding treatment of match officials and gender-based conduct in Liga MX. Pending are potential appeals or further disciplinary action if similar behavior recurs, underscoring the federation’s effort to maintain disciplinary standards in the lead-up to increased international spotlight on Mexico’s football governance.