Panama’s Football Federation president Manuel Arias has been suspended for six months by FIFA following allegations of inappropriate comments directed at Marta Cox, a player for the Panama national team.
The suspension stems from Arias reportedly calling Cox “fat” in a derogatory remark. Cox, 27, plays for both the Panama national team and Turkish club Fenerbahce.
The Panamanian Football Federation confirmed the suspension, acknowledging that Arias violated FIFA’s regulations by making disrespectful comments about Cox’s physical appearance.
FIFA’s decision is in line with the organization’s ongoing commitment to uphold professionalism, respect, and inclusivity within the sport.
Advocates for athlete welfare stress the importance of maintaining respectful communication and recognize the emotional and mental toll that derogatory comments can take on players.
Meanwhile, Marta Cox continues her professional career with both the Panama national team and Fenerbahce. Cox has not publicly commented on the incident or Arias’s suspension.