Martinelli backtracks on soccer tweet

PRESIDENT Ricardo Martinelli has back tracked on a controversial Twitter message when he inserted his opinion into a legal squabble.

He tweeted on Monday April 29 that the brewery Cervecería Barú Panamá should cease its case against Panama’s soccer federation(Fepafut)  or face consequences reports  La Prensa
On Tuesday he said his tweet was expressing his feelings as a citizen, not as President. He had tweeted: "Their fight is against all of Panama, and is now with me."
At a Tuesday press conference the general manager of the brewery, Helene Weesie said that she has sent a letter to Fepafut so that both parties can begin a dialogue. The executive explained that the decision reflects the interest of the company in the development of Panamanian soccer.
Weesie, also denounced pressure put on the company by the government.
"These days we have received very strong pressures and campaigns against the company and our brand, just for having dared to seek justice," she said.
Weesie said that the brewery will continue the process of arbitration, "but we have postponed it until after the World Cup."
The dispute arose when the Soccer Federation broke a sponsorship contract with the brewery, which obtained an injunction to freeze some $6 million of assets of the federation because, it claimed the federation had received money due under the terms of the contract.