Fepafuta president: Apologies after Martha Cox incident

The Association of Professional Footballers of Panama (Afutpa) condemned the statements of the president of the Panamanian Football Association (Fepaput), Manuel Arias, in which he refers to the performance of the players of the Panamanian women’s national football team, and in particular attacks the midfielder Marta Cox.

The controversy comes after Arias responded to comments made by Martha Cox at the Gold Cup. “Marta Cox is not in shape, she was fat. She couldn’t move on the field. That’s the reality,” were words that left President Fepafuto in a very bad light.

“Marta Cox hasn’t known anything about the Panama League for three years. She doesn’t even know what’s going on here.” Arias questioned the state the players were in for the last game.

The Afutpa he described as reprehensible and unfortunate the recent statements of Manuel Arias, the president of FEPAFUT, about the player Marta Cox. “Respecting athletes is key to strengthening our football,” he said.

“Derogatory language not only affects Marta, but also affects the perception of the sports community. We call on the Federation to stand up for fair and considerate treatment of all team members,” the statement added.

Afutpa insisted on the necessary public apologies, along with the implementation of an open door policy, where the right of every Panamanian to free expression is not punished.

“Practicing retaliation breaks down the bridges that should exist between players and managers. Links that serve so that leadership is not perceived as a dictatorship, where players are not repressed when they express themselves on issues that overwhelm us,” he pointed out.

“I want to express my sincerest apologies to Marta Cox and anyone who felt offended by some of the unfortunate language used during the sports program. I must not make this mistake again,” Arias responded to a post from Panamanian soccer player and coach, Amarelis De Mera.

“I don’t think those were the right ways to express your anger at the statements the player made about the women’s league. Being the president of the association should always be treated with respect!” asked De Mera.

To the above Arias added: “I will continue to work dedicatedly for women’s football as I have done since the first moment when I was elected president of the Association”.

“Mr. Manuel Arias, President of Fepafut, Manuel Arias. You punish all inappropriate and out of context statements in national football, but now you do the same thing you punish! Marta deserves a public apology, “you have to be and appear.” Yes “No. It is OK. I didn’t invite her,” said former Panama senior World Cup player, Gavilán Gómez.