Body of Marbella Ibarra, a Women’s Soccer Pioneer in Mexico, Found Wrapped in Plastic

The body of Marbella Ibarra, who founded Mexico’s first women’s soccer team, was discovered Monday in Rosarito, Mexico, according to reports. Family members had reported the 44-year-old woman missing in mid-September, believing she had been kidnapped. Authorities said her body, which was wrapped in plastic, showed signs of torture. Her death is being investigated as a murder, but authorities told the BBC they do not believe it was related to her role as a coach and football promoter. Though never a player herself, Ibarra used her income from a beauty salon she owned to fund an amateur women’s team. Ibarra had recently been working on a foundation to support young female soccer players financially.