CONCACAF to sanction Mexican referee who asked Messi for an autograph on the field
Ileana Sanchez
Dailysports's expert
Mexican referee Marco Antonio Ortiz Nava will face disciplinary action for conduct that is not in accordance with CONCACAF's code of conduct for match officials.
During the Champions Cup match between Inter Miami and Sporting Kansas City (1-0), the referee approached Messi and made a request. Initial reports suggested that Nava wanted to obtain Lionel’s jersey, but it was later clarified that he was asking for an autograph for a relative with special needs.
CONCACAF did not consider the referee’s intentions and is set to impose a sanction, according to ESPN.
“The referee’s actions did not comply with the confederation’s code of conduct for match officials or the procedures in place for such requests,” CONCACAF stated.
The exact nature of the punishment has yet to be announced. However, Nava has admitted his mistake and apologized for breaching protocol.
