By EFE
The Mexican Football Federation (FMF), reported this Friday that it sanctioned the technical director of Club Mazatlán, Sergio Bueno, for his “improper” conduct during a match towards referee Katia Itzel Garcíawho will participate in the 2026 Soccer World Cup.
In a statement, the FMF explained that the sanction consists of a financial finein addition to the realization of hours of social work aimed at promoting gender equalitywithout specifying the amount or total hours.
❌ “We cannot return to the times of machismo in football” | 📜 Sergio Bueno is reported for insulting referee Katia Itzel ⚽
📰 Photographers and reporters revealed that the Mazatlán coach made discriminatory expressions after being expelled.
🛑 Katia Itzel tried… pic.twitter.com/jWEBbV4AqZ
— SDP Noticias (@sdpnoticias) April 13, 2026
He explained that the Diversity and Gender and Disciplinary Commissions of the Federation determined that Bueno “incurred in improper conduct after his expulsion during Matchday 14, by failing to comply with current protocols and regulations.”
“Additionally, the technical director was warned regarding his future conduct,” the organization added.
Finally, the FMF reiterated its commitment to the “strict” application of the regulations and with the promotion of respect, inclusion and equity in Mexican soccer.
The conduct occurred last Sunday, during the match between the clubs Pumas and Mazatlán.
According to the testimony of a photojournalist, the technical director responded to the referee’s decision to expel him from the game, with the macho expression: “Now it turns out that a woman wants to come and show that she has balls.”
The events generated outrage from organizations such as the Council to Prevent and Eliminate Discrimination of Mexico City (Copred), which called on the FMF to diligently investigate the events and establish “clear criteria” that sanction discriminatory behavior.
Katia Itzel García will be the first Mexican woman to officiate as a central referee in a men’s World Cup, and he will be, along with César Arturo Ramos Palazuelos, the two Mexican representatives who will participate in the World Cup that will start next June.
The opening match of the World Cup will take place on June 11 against Mexico and South Africa in the emblematic Azteca stadium in Mexico City.
Keep reading:
– Marc Crosas assured that the United States has the bravest group of the hosts of the 2026 World Cup
– Pumas ousted Cruz Azul from the sub-leadership by defeating Atlético San Luis 0-2
– Raúl Rangel raises his hand to go to Europe
– Tim Howard believes that the United States will have no problems in the group stage of the World Cup
