Mexican referee Marco Antonio Ortiz Nava has been slapped with a six-month ban from officiating in Concacaf competitions after requesting Lionel Messi’s autograph.
Ortiz Nava made the request following Inter Miami’s 1-0 win over Sporting Kansas City on February 19, reportedly for a family member with special needs. However, Concacaf deemed it a violation of its Code of Conduct for match officials.
The 36-year-old referee accepted the punishment and will continue officiating in Mexico’s Liga MX during his ban. Concacaf has warned that any repeat offense could lead to harsher consequences.
Meanwhile, Messi wasted no time making headlines on the pitch, providing two assists in Inter Miami’s MLS season opener against New York City.
