The Mexico City Council for Preventing and Eliminating Discrimination (Copred) has condemned misogynistic remarks directed at referee Katia Itzel García by Mazatlán's coach Sergio Bueno during a Liga MX match between Pumas and Mazatlán. Copred called on Liga MX and the Mexican Football Federation (FMF) to adopt zero-tolerance policies and investigate the incident while establishing clear sanctions for discriminatory behavior, as reported by Aristegui Noticias and La Jornada.
Copred emphasized the need for the Referees' Commission to enhance protections for referees and reinforce internal protocols to preserve their dignity. The organization stressed that safeguarding figures like García is crucial, given her role as the first Mexican female referee selected to officiate at the 2026 FIFA Men's World Cup, noted by El Financiero and Lopez Doriga Digital.
Geraldina González de la Vega, president of Copred, highlighted the importance of combating gender discrimination within Mexican soccer, particularly ahead of Mexico City hosting five matches during the 2026 World Cup, including the opening game, according to La Jornada. She urged Mexican soccer authorities to implement effective mechanisms to address this issue systematically.
Moving forward, Copred’s call for thorough investigations and new disciplinary frameworks places pressure on Liga MX and the FMF to respond decisively to misogynistic conduct. The handling of this case could set precedent for gender equality standards in Mexican soccer, especially as the 2026 World Cup approaches.
COPRED
Hugo Bueno
Mazatlán
Eric García
Liga MX
Pumas
Ciudad de México
Mexico
