Oops, referees in the eye of the storm. During the match between Kansas City and Inter Miami in the first leg of the CONCACAF Champions Cup, an unusual situation sparked controversy.
At the end of the match, Mexican referee Marco Antonio Ortiz Nava requested an autograph from Lionel Messi, triggering an immediate reaction from both CONCACAF and the Kansas City club.
An Unacceptable Autograph Request
Despite difficult playing conditions, Lionel Messi scored the only goal of the match, securing victory for Inter Miami. However, after the final whistle, the usual fervor surrounding the Argentine star took an unexpected turn when the match referee himself requested a signature. This act shocked Sporting Kansas City, prompting the club to bring the incident to the attention of CONCACAF and Major League Soccer (MLS).
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CONCACAF’s Response
In reaction to the situation, CONCACAF immediately took action by reminding its referees of their responsibilities. The governing body of football in North and Central America issued a statement to its officials, emphasizing the importance of respecting the code of conduct and refraining from requesting autographs from players to maintain their impartiality.
In an official statement, the confederation clarified: “The referee’s conduct does not comply with the code of conduct for match officials and existing procedures. The referee has acknowledged his mistake, apologized, and accepted the disciplinary measures applied by CONCACAF.”
A Sanction with Undisclosed Details
Although Marco Antonio Ortiz Nava accepted the consequences of his actions, CONCACAF has not disclosed the exact nature of the sanction imposed on him. This incident highlights the critical importance of ethical conduct and neutrality among referees, particularly when dealing with world-renowned players like Lionel Messi.
