Mexican referee Marco Antonio Ortiz Nava has been suspended for six months by CONCACAF after asking Inter Miami star Lionel Messi for an autograph. According to the decision of the Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Football, the referee is prohibited from officiating at international matches under the auspices of the organization, but he will be able to continue officiating in the Mexican championship, MIR 24 reports.
The incident occurred after the CONCACAF Champions Cup match between Inter Miami and Kansas City, which ended with a 1-0 victory for Messi's team. The only goal in the match was scored by the Argentine forward himself in the 56th minute.
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After the game, Ortiz Nava asked Messi for an autograph, explaining that it was intended for his disabled relative. According to ESPN, if the referee commits a similar violation again, he will be disqualified for an indefinite period.
CONCACAF said the referee's actions were in violation of the Code of Conduct for Match Officials and established procedures. The referee himself admitted his error, apologized and accepted the disciplinary measures taken.
