Argentina’s goalkeeper, Martinez faces FIFA suspension for misconduct

Argentina’s World Cup-winning goalkeeper, Emiliano Martinez, has been handed a two-match ban by FIFA for displaying offensive behavior, as confirmed by the Argentine Football Association (AFA) on Saturday.

The 32-year-old Aston Villa star was also found guilty of violating fair play principles on two separate occasions.

Martinez’s first violation occurred following a World Cup qualifier against Chile on September 5, when he held a replica Copa America trophy near his groin.

This act echoed a similar incident after Argentina’s penalty shootout victory over France in the 2022 World Cup final, where he also posed with the Golden Glove trophy for best goalkeeper in a similarly controversial manner.

Additionally, FIFA sanctioned Martinez for striking a TV cameraman’s camera with his gloves after Argentina’s 2-1 loss to Colombia on September 10.

The AFA expressed their dissatisfaction with the FIFA ruling.

“It should be noted that the Argentine Football Association expresses its absolute disagreement with the decision taken by the FIFA disciplinary committee,” they said in a statement.

As a result of the decision Martinez — also a key member of the Argentina side that won the Copa America in July, as well as the 2021 edition — will miss the World Cup qualifiers against Venezuela on October 10 and Bolivia on October 15.

Argentina are top of the South American qualifying table with 18 points after eight matches. Colombia are just two points behind.