Adalid Maganda: Mexican referee speaks out against racial discrimination

Adalid Maganda, a Mexican referee, has come forward to share his truth, sparking a renewed debate about racial discrimination in Mexico. The referee claimed that he was sidelined by the Mexican Football Federation (FEMEXFUT) because of his skin color. He directly accused Arturo Brizio, the President of the Referees' Commission, and Jorge Gasso, the Technical Director.

"About 15 days ago, I went to ask them, we had a meeting in their office, Arturo Brizio, Jorge Gasso, and Julio Escobar were there. I asked them why my situation in refereeing was the way it was and they didn't say anything, just made excuses. I asked Arturo Brizio if it was because of my color, and he sarcastically burst into laughter. They always called me 'negro' and many other things," said Maganda.

"Jorge Eduardo Gasso called me 'negro' in that meeting. He said, 'Well, because you're black! Can't you see your color?' On Thursday, Julio Escobar called me to say that I'm no longer part of the plans for the Referees' Commission. He said I shouldn't even attend the Referees' Convention," he added.

Maganda will take it to FIFA

Adalid Maganda, who has been refereeing in the Liga MX since last year, also believes that his dismissal is a retaliation for disagreeing with the appointment of Arturo Brizio as the President of the Referees' Commission in FEMEXFUT.

"I was one of the best referees in the Ascenso league, and that's why I debuted in the Liga MX. I officiated finals and playoffs. However, when Mr. Brizio arrived, my career went downhill, and that has to do with me being one of the three referees who disagreed with his appointment. But this won't be left like this, I will go all the way to FIFA to defend my rights," he warned.