Marta Cox, a professional football player who has played in Colombia, Costa Rica, and Mexico, has made headlines after threatening not to play for Panama again. This decision comes after the president of Panama’s football federation (FEPAFUT), Manuel Arias, made derogatory comments about her weight and fitness.
Arias criticized Cox’s performance and physical condition following Panama’s group exit at the Concacaf W Gold Cup last month. Cox, who plays for Tijuana in Mexico’s Liga MX Femenil, expressed her disappointment and hurt over the president’s remarks, stating that she may not return to the national team if such comments continue.
The 26-year-old midfielder, known for scoring Panama’s first Women’s World Cup goal last summer, received support from the players union Fifpro, who condemned Arias’ comments as “unacceptable.” Despite Cox’s contributions to the team, Panama failed to earn a point in both the Women’s World Cup and the Gold Cup, highlighting the challenges faced by the national team.
In response to the backlash, FEPAFUT issued an apology for Arias’ comments and reaffirmed their commitment to women’s football development. The federation acknowledged the need for improvement and pledged to continue supporting women’s football through training programs and initiatives.
Cox’s stand against body shaming and discrimination in sports has sparked a conversation about the treatment of female athletes and the importance of promoting inclusivity and respect in football. As the controversy unfolds, it remains to be seen how FEPAFUT and the national team will address the issues raised by Cox and work towards a more supportive and empowering environment for women in football.
