After a 20-year hiatus, a woman will once again officiate a men’s match in the Primera División De México, Mexico’s top professional football league. Katia Itzel García, a 31-year-old FIFA-certified referee, has been assigned to referee the upcoming match between Pachuca and Querétaro on Saturday. This momentous occasion marks only the second time a woman has held the position of central referee in the league’s history.
A Historic Milestone in the Primera División de México
The Liga MX, also known as the Primera División de México, will witness a significant event this Saturday as Katia Itzel García takes charge of the Pachuca versus Querétaro match at Estadio Hidalgo. This appointment marks a historic return for women referees in the top tier of Mexican football. The last time a woman officiated a Liga MX match was in 2004, when Virginia Tovar refereed a game between América and Irapuato. Tovar retired shortly after, making that match the only one in her career and a solitary instance for women referees in Mexico’s Primera División for two decades.
Katia Itzel García: A Rising Star in the Refereeing World
García, who received her FIFA badge in 2019, has a wealth of experience officiating at high-profile events. She recently served as a referee at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup held in Australia and New Zealand. Before her Liga MX assignment, García officiated the semi-final match of the CONCACAF W Gold Cup between the United States and Canada. Her experience and expertise solidify her readiness for this important role in the Primera División de México. This appointment underscores the growing recognition and inclusion of women in professional football, both on and off the field.
The Significance of García’s Appointment to the Primera División
García’s selection to officiate in the Liga MX signifies a major step forward for gender equality within the sport. It breaks down barriers and sets a precedent for future generations of female referees aspiring to reach the highest levels of the Primera División. Her presence on the field will undoubtedly inspire young women across Mexico and beyond to pursue their dreams in football, regardless of traditional gender roles. This historic event signals a positive shift towards greater inclusivity and representation within the Primera División de México and the wider footballing world.
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