Mexican referee Katia Itzel García, a FIFA‑listed official since 2019, found herself at the centre of a dangerous backlash in the aftermath of a controversial Leagues Cup match between CF Monterrey and FC Cincinnati on 1 August 2025. After awarding Cincinnati a goal that appeared to be offside, Monterrey fans launched a barrage of online abuse—including explicit death threats and messages targeting her family’s safety. García shared screenshots publicly via Instagram, sparking outrage within the football community. The Mexican Football Federation (FMF) quickly issued an official statement emphasising: “there is no room for intimidation and threats” and offered full legal support, including guidance through complaints to Mexican authorities and collaboration with CONCACAF and Leagues Cup organisers to guarantee her security.
FIFA President Infantino’s Response
On 4 August, FIFA President Gianni Infantino used his Instagram platform to voice solidarity with García. He wrote he was “dismayed and saddened” by the threats and made it clear that “there is no place in football and society for abuse, discrimination and violence of any kind.” He pledged FIFA’s backing to FMF and CONCACAF, offering “unconditional support in holding those responsible to account.” Infantino’s reaction was supported by the FMF’s official statement, reinforcing a united front against abuse.
FMF and CONCACAF Stand with GarcíaThe FMF issued a formal communiqué on 2 August condemning all acts of threats or intimidation against their officials. It reaffirmed that it would guide García through legal proceedings, maintain constant contact with regional organisers, and work to ensure her physical and mental well‑being during the Leagues Cup. These measures underscore a growing focus among football institutions to protect officials—not only from online abuse, but from physical threats to their integrity and family.
Biography: García’s Pathbreaking Career
Born in Mexico City in September 1992, Katia Itzel García Mendoza stands out as a pioneering figure in Mexican football refereeing. Since entering the FIFA list in 2019, she has officiated high‑profile events including the CONCACAF Gold Cup, Pan‑American tournaments, SheBelieves Cup, and the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. In March 2024, she became the first woman in over two decades to referee a Liga MX men’s fixture—a landmark moment for gender inclusion in Mexican officiating. Her expanding resume reflects not only her skill but her resilience in navigating a traditionally male‑dominated field.
Broader Context: Referee Safety and Infantino’s Leadership
Infantino has historically taken a vocal stance on violence against match officials. At the FIFA Football Summit 2023, he declared that violence toward referees was a “cancer that could kill football”, urging leaders at every level to take collective responsibility for protecting referees. His maxim, “Without referees, there’s no football,” captured the ethos that underpins current efforts to counter abuse on and off the pitch. The support for García reflects this ethos in action.
What Happens Next: Legal Pathways and Institutional Imperatives
- Police Investigation: FMF has pledged to assist García in filing criminal complaints. Mexican law enforcement is now examining the threats, including identifying the user “Aldaiir Gzm” and associated digital accounts.
- Tournament Safeguards: Organisers of Leagues Cup, where cross-border Tijuana–Monterrey tensions are frequent, are reviewing security protocols for match officials and reviewing access to personal data.
- FIFA and CONCACAF Oversight: FIFA’s gesture may evolve into deeper engagement, including direct liaison with regional referees’ unions and working groups on referee welfare and anti‑harassment education.
Why This Matters
- Gender‑based intimidation: García’s ordeal underscores the rising hostility directed at female referees in men’s football—a subgroup increasingly visible yet vulnerable. Granting her visible support helps protect not just one official, but sets precedent for what institutions must do when threats emerge.
- Cultural shift: Infantino’s response, aligned with the FMF and broader governing bodies, exemplifies a shift toward zero‑tolerance for referee abuse. This is critical in regions like Mexico, where digital misogyny and violence against women are societal concerns.
- Role Model Impact: García’s career is a beacon for gender equality in officiating. Ensuring her safety enables other women referees in the region and globally to pursue their ambitions without fear.
Bottom Line: The intervention by FIFA President Gianni Infantino and the strong backing of the FMF following the death threats against Katia Itzel García represents a critical moment of institutional solidarity. Beyond reaction, it symbolizes a line drawn in the sand—asserting that match officials deserve not only fairness, but protection—both physical and psychological. In doing so, football’s leadership may be catalysing deeper change within a sport historically slow to reckon with its impact on those who manage its rules.
