Because he insulted a player as “fat”.
FIFA bans association presidents
January 17, 2025 – 2:50 p.mReading time: 1 min.
One word, six month ban: FIFA takes action in a case of body shaming against an association boss.
FIFA has given the president of the Panamanian Football Association, Manuel Arias, a six-month ban. The reason for this is an insult to national player Marta Cox, who Arias called “fat” in March 2024. Cox had previously criticized the line-up of the women’s national team, which qualified for the 2023 World Cup.
Marta Cox, who scored a goal in the 3-6 win against France at the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, was verbally attacked by Arias’ comments. FIFA decided that Arias will be banned from all activities in association football until July 14, 2025.
The association president later apologized for his “unfortunate choice of words.” The Panama association said that “a lot” still needs to be improved in women’s football.