Sergio Bueno Sanctioned by FMF After Misogynistic Remarks Toward Referee Katia Itzel García

The Mexican Football Federation (FMF) has officially announced disciplinary action against Sergio Bueno, head coach of Mazatlán FC, following his expulsion and subsequent misogynistic remarks directed at referee Katia Itzel García during a Liga MX match.

According to the FMF’s statement released through official channels, Bueno was found to have violated conduct protocols after being sent off in the Jornada 14 match against Club Universidad Nacional (Pumas) at Estadio Olímpico Universitario in Mexico City. The incident occurred on April 12, 2026, when Bueno protested a refereeing decision and was shown a red card.

Following his expulsion, Bueno directed misogynistic insults toward Katia Itzel García, the match’s central referee. The FMF’s Disciplinary and Gender and Diversity Commissions jointly determined that his actions constituted improper conduct under federation regulations.

“The Commissions of Diversity and Gender and Disciplinary of the Mexican Football Federation determined that the head coach of Mazatlán FC, Sergio Bueno, incurred in improper conduct following his expulsion during Jornada 14, for failing to comply with active protocols and regulations,” the FMF stated in its official communiqué.

The sanction imposed on Bueno includes three components: a financial fine, mandatory community service focused on promoting gender equity, and a formal warning regarding his future conduct. Bueno must serve the automatic one-match suspension corresponding to his red card, which will be served during Jornada 15 when Mazatlán hosts Querétaro FC at Estadio El Encanto in Mazatlán, Sinaloa.

The FMF emphasized that the community service requirement is specifically designed to address gender equity awareness, reflecting the federation’s increased focus on combating discrimination in Mexican football. Bueno is expected to begin these duties after completing his match suspension.

Mazatlán FC entered the Jornada 15 match against Querétaro with 11 points from 14 matches, having already been mathematically eliminated from playoff contention for the Clausura 2026 tournament. The club announced that Bueno would be eligible to return to the technical area for their next home fixture against Deportivo Toluca FC on April 21, 2026, following the completion of his suspension.

Katia Itzel García, who has been officiating in Liga MX since 2021, became the subject of widespread discussion following the incident. While she has not issued a public statement through official channels regarding Bueno’s sanctions, her performance in the Pumas-Mazatlán match was not subject to additional review by the FMF’s refereeing committee.

The case has drawn attention from various Mexican sports media outlets and advocacy groups, with some calling for stronger measures to protect match officials from verbal abuse. The FMF’s decision represents one of the more notable disciplinary actions taken against a team official for gender-based misconduct in recent Liga MX history.

As of the FMF’s announcement on April 17, 2026, Bueno has not appealed the sanctions. The federation’s Disciplinary Commission confirmed that the sanctions are final and binding unless formally challenged through the established appeals process within the prescribed timeframe.

Mazatlán FC’s next match after the Querétaro encounter is scheduled for April 21, 2026, against Toluca at Estadio El Encanto, where Bueno will be permitted to resume his coaching duties having completed his suspension.

For continued updates on Liga MX disciplinary matters and match officiating developments, readers are encouraged to consult official FMF communications and verified sports news sources.

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