In an unusual incident, Mexican referee Marco Antonio Ortiz Nava has been suspended for six months by Concacaf after requesting an autograph from Lionel Messi following a match. The incident occurred after Inter Miami’s 1-0 victory over Sporting Kansas City in the Concacaf Champions Cup on February 19, 2025. Ortiz approached Messi post-match to obtain an autograph for a family member with special needs. Despite the well-intentioned motive, Concacaf stated that Ortiz’s actions violated their Code of Conduct for match officials, which mandates neutrality and prohibits such interactions. Ortiz has acknowledged his mistake, apologized, and accepted the disciplinary action. While serving the ban, he will continue officiating in Mexico’s Liga MX.
SOURCE: DEW360.NET
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