The director of Panamanian Sports Institute (Pandeportes), Miguel Ordonezassured that Fernando González Ramírez, the 32-year-old Panamanian detained in the Dominican Republic for accusations of alleged sexual abuse of minors in the United States, never officially worked at the institution.
In an interview with Telemeter Reports, Ordóñez explained that he met González at the end of 2024, when he came to his office to present a proposal for a baseball home run championship at the Mariano Rivera stadium, in La Chorrera.
According to the official, González presented himself as a representative of a sports agent company and subsequently maintained contacts with Pandeportes to propose camps, showcases and activities related to baseball.
Ordóñez acknowledged that the institution considered his experience in that sport, but clarified that He was never hired as an official.
“Evidently, because of his baseball knowledge we considered him”said the director, who added that the decision to end any link was made after comments arose about possible cases of child abuse and pedophilia.
Pandeportes consulted the National Security Council
Ordóñez explained that, upon learning of the allegations, he consulted the National Security Council. According to his story, he received information that González had pending proceedings in the state of Tennessee, although not a final conviction.
The director indicated that he called González to his office to confront him about the information. According to his version, the Panamanian spoke to him about personal matters related to his mental health and an altercation, but denied that they were linked to abuse of minors.
“I did my homework with the National Security Council and, in the end, we made the decision to cut any ties at that moment until the entire situation was established or clarified.”he stated.
Ordóñez pointed out that this decision was made more than nine months ago, before González’s arrest in the Dominican Republic became known.
Public recognition in 2025
The director’s statements come after, on November 12, 2025, he publicly recognized González during a press conference related to the postponement of the Copa América Baseball in Panama.
On that occasion, Ordóñez highlighted his experience and support for the institution.
“There are many good people who support us selflessly. There I am seeing a person, Fernando González, whom I want to recognize. Many things will be said, but Fernando is a person who from the day we met has given us his experience, support, help, in all these issues.”he expressed then.
This recognition had raised questions about the nature of the relationship between González and Pandeportes, which the director now describes as approaches and collaborations in sports initiatives, without there being an official work relationship.
Ordóñez proposes reinforcing filters in sport
During the interview, the director also referred to the verification mechanisms for people who aspire to hold positions or perform functions within the institution.
He explained that the requirements depend on the position and include reviewing the resume, level of education and police record. He added that some hires have been discarded after the corresponding verifications.
Ordóñez considered it necessary to review the initiatives related to the so-called safe sport and mentioned the possibility of resuming the analysis of a bill on this matter.
The official pointed out that coaches and other figures in the sports environment can establish relationships of trust with children and adolescents, which is why he considered it important to strengthen the mechanisms to protect minors.
Besides, He invited those who have had some experience with González within the sports field to approach Pandeportes and communicate any situation they consider relevant. He also expressed the institution’s willingness to collaborate with the United States Embassy and the US Marshals.
