SOCCER
Manuel Arias was punished by the entity with six months’ leave
Published on January 17, 2025 at 3:02 pm
Manuel Arias was removed after comments about Marta Cox Credit: Reproduction
The president of the Panamanian Football Federation (FPF), Manuel Arias, was punished by the FIFA Ethics Committee for using inappropriate language against a player from his country’s national team. The manager will be out of action for six months for calling midfielder Marta Cox “fat” and “out of shape”.
The comments took place during a live interview in March, and referred to the athlete’s performance in the CONCACAF Women’s Gold Cup, held at the beginning of last year. Marta criticized the Panama Federation for the lack of support, after the team was disqualified in the group stage and after three consecutive defeats.
“She was out of shape, she was fat. She couldn’t move on the field, that’s the reality. It’s very easy to say that she has no support and that the Federation is rubbish. Marta Cox hasn’t been part of the Panama League for over three years, she doesn’t know anything that happens here. The only thing we told the players was to do some self-criticism”, said Arias.
In a note on social media, the director apologized and stated that he used “very unfortunate” language and that it should not be “used by a high-ranking leader”. He also highlighted that he is aware of the serious error he committed and that he accepts the punishment imposed by FIFA.
The sanction lasts until July 14, 2025. According to a statement from the FPF, vice-president Fernando Arce will assume the position in Arias’ absence. The federation also highlighted that there is still a lot to be done for women’s football, but stated that it will continue working for the sport.
