Cox threatens to quit Panama over ‘fat’ jibe by federation head

Panama midfielder Marta Cox has threatened to quit the nationwide group once more after the president of her nation’s soccer federation (FEPAFUT) known as her “fat” and “out of shape” following their Concacaf W Gold Cup exit.

Panama have been eradicated from match with out getting a single level within the group stage, struggling heavy defeats to Colombia and Brazil.

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Cox had lamented the dearth of fine amenities in Panama which angered FEPAFUT president Manuel Arias, who instructed native media: “Marta Cox stopped to talk about our league. She’s out of shape, she’s fat, she couldn’t move on the pitch.

“It’s very simple to discuss, however she does not know something in regards to the Panama league for years, she does not know what is going on on right here.”

The 26-year-old plays for Tijuana in Mexico’s Liga MX Femenil. She made history last year by scoring Panama’s first-ever Women’s World Cup goal — as well as the quickest at the tournament — with a stunning 35-yard free kick against France.

“After the World Cup, I anticipated a lot extra. That need to see regular progress led me to communicate out after an unlucky efficiency within the Gold Cup,” she said in a statement through Panama’s Association of Professional Footballers.

“We are the primary to recognise that we weren’t up to the usual of the match, however that very same introspection should transcend simply the gamers. Personally, I really feel that there have been phrases used to describe me that definitely damage me and have been sudden.

“If this type of situation becomes a constant, I will not return to defend the colours of the Panama national team.”

FEPAFUT posted an apology saying Arias has promised it is not going to occur once more.

“On International Women’s Day… from the Panamanian Football Federation we regret the unfortunate term used by our president Manuel Arias in the local media,” they stated.

“He himself has pledged that it will not be repeated. In the Federation we are committed to continue working for women’s football, as we have been doing for the last five years through sports and training programmes focused on women.

“That stated, we all know that there’s nonetheless much more work to do.”