Panama Soccer President for Fat-Shaming Player

Manuel Arias receives a six-month ban for inappropriate comments about women's national team star Marta Cox.

FIFA has banned Panama's soccer federation president, Manuel Arias, for six months over fat-shaming remarks directed at Marta Cox, a midfielder for the women's national team.
The comments were made in March 2023 after Cox criticized inadequate facilities for women's soccer in Panama, leading Arias to call her 'fat' and 'out of shape' in response.
Cox, who scored Panama's first-ever Women's World Cup goal in 2023, had considered leaving the national team following the remarks but ultimately stayed after Arias apologized.
FEPAFUT, Panama's soccer federation, announced Vice President Fernando Arce will serve as interim president during Arias' suspension, which lasts until July 14, 2025.
The federation stated its commitment to improving women's soccer and highlighted recent efforts, such as equalizing travel expenses and prizes between men's and women's teams.