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FIFA Bans Panama Football Chief Amid Controversial Remarks

11/22/2025

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Summary

Story summary

FIFA banned Manuel Arias, president of Panama's football federation, for six months for non-compliance with a prior ban tied to fat-shaming a women's national team player.
The sanction includes a 20,000 Swiss francs fine.
The ban expires shortly before the 2026 World Cup.
Arias can appeal the sanctions.
Arias acknowledged his remarks in March 2024 after Marta Cox, the Panama women's national team player, criticized the national team's setup.

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Story summary

FIFA banned Manuel Arias, president of Panama's football federation, for six months for non-compliance with a prior ban tied to fat-shaming a women's national team player.
The sanction includes a 20,000 Swiss francs fine.
The ban expires shortly before the 2026 World Cup.
Arias can appeal the sanctions.
Arias acknowledged his remarks in March 2024 after Marta Cox, the Panama women's national team player, criticized the national team's setup.