Marta Cox recently signed with Turkish club Fenerbahce.
In a major disciplinary decision, FIFA has imposed a six-month suspension on Manuel Arias, the president of the Panama football federation, following offensive remarks made against star midfielder Marta Cox. Arias’ comments calling Cox “fat” came after the latter criticized the structure of the national team, which managed to qualify for the 2023 Women’s World Cup.
The Panamanian football federation confirmed the suspension in a statement, which will last until July 14, 2025. During this period, Arias will be banned from any activity related to federated football.
The suspension comes at a crucial time, with important matches coming up for the Panama men’s national team, including Nations League matches in March, two decisive qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup in June and the 2026 World Cup tournament. Gold Cup which will take place in the United States from June 14 to July 6. Panama had a creditable run at the 2023 Gold Cup, reaching the final before losing to Mexico.
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-Arias took to social media to express his awareness regarding his suspension, attributing it to “unfortunate” remarks made in March 2024. He acknowledged, “I used some very unfortunate language that should never be used,” in a post on X.
During Arias’ suspension, Vice President Fernando Arce will assume the role of interim president of the federation. The organization reaffirmed its commitment to improving the conditions of women’s football in Panama.
Separately, Cox, 27, recently completed a move to Turkish club Fenerbahce after playing for the Xolos in Mexico. She scored at the Women’s World Cup in a dramatic match where Panama faced France, ending in a 6-3 defeat.
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