FIFA President stands with female referee who received death threats

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has spoken out in strong support of Mexican referee Katia Itzel Garcia following reports that she received online death threats after officiating a League Cup match between FC Cincinnati and Monterrey.

Garcia, an experienced official who has previously handled matches in Liga MX, the Gold Cup, and the Olympic Games, came under fire after a controversial decision during Thursday’s fixture.

The 29-year-old awarded a goal to FC Cincinnati that Monterrey fans believed should have been ruled offside, a decision that ultimately contributed to Cincinnati’s 3-2 win.

Following the match, Garcia was targeted with abuse and threats on social media, prompting swift condemnation from FIFA and the Mexican Football Federation (FMF).

"I am dismayed and saddened by the threats against referee Katia Itzel following her performance in the Leagues Cup first-round match between Monterrey and Cincinnati," Infantino wrote on Instagram.

"There is no place in football and society for abuse, discrimination and violence of any kind. At FIFA, we stand in solidarity with the FMF and CONCACAF in condemning the actions of those who make these unacceptable threats. We offer our unconditional support in holding those responsible to account,” he added.

The FMF also released a statement over the weekend, confirming that they are supporting Garcia and have begun the process of filing a formal complaint with the appropriate authorities.