MIAMI BEACH, Fla. — Outside the Grand Beach Hotel in Miami Beach, FIFA logos could be seen throughout the property.
But on Sunday, something was missing: a referee’s uniform.
Police said the uniform was stolen by Jordan Martinez, a security guard at the hotel, and the theft was caught on camera.
According to police, Martinez was brought into an interview room where he confessed to taking laundry bags that contained FIFA referee uniforms.
Police said Martinez told investigators that when he realized the bags contained official FIFA referee uniforms, he decided to keep them because he is a big soccer fan and wanted to wear one after the game.
“That’s insane,” one tourist from Iowa said. “I’m not even from here, I’m from Iowa. I don’t know why he’ll steal a jersey from a referee.”
Investigators said equipment and property belonging to two FIFA officials were stolen.
The motive remains unclear.
“That’s kind of odd. Maybe he’s trying to sell it. I have no idea,” the tourist said.
Police did not provide further details about what Martinez planned to do with the referee’s uniform.
Authorities quickly arrested Martinez. Instead of wearing a referee’s uniform, he now faces a charge of third-degree grand theft.
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