José Córdoba, the Panamanian defender, has come under intense scrutiny following a controversial handball during the CONCACAF Nations League Final that played a critical role in Mexico's victory over Panama.

The match, held at Sofi Stadium, ended with Mexico claiming the title after a penalty was awarded for the incident involving Córdoba, which was successfully converted by Raúl Jiménez.

The repercussions of Córdoba's actions were immediate, sparking a wave of disappointment and criticism among Panamanian fans on social media platforms.

Some supporters even called for an investigation into Córdoba’s conduct, reflecting the frustration over the match's outcome and its implications for Panama's aspirations for a championship.

After several days of silence, Córdoba addressed the situation via social media, expressing that the handball was unintentional and highlighting the emotional toll it has taken on him.

He conveyed his feelings of regret about being central to a play that led to the disappointment of his country's dreams of winning a title.

In his statement, Córdoba remarked, "It’s easy to judge when you’re on the other side of the situation...

But everyone should understand that there are circumstances in life that escape our control; it was a mistake, nothing was done intentionally.

Seeing how the goal of achieving a possible title with my national team ended due to a play I was involved in is unfortunate."

Moreover, the experienced athlete reassured his commitment to continue fighting for his national team in the upcoming matches, thanking his supporters for their unwavering backing.

He acknowledged their encouragement and emphasized his determination to persevere despite the criticism.

Córdoba's plea for understanding has garnered mixed responses, with many fans showing their support, viewing him as a pivotal figure in the team due to his experiences overseas, specifically his role at Norwich City in England.