Argentinan Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez Handed Two-Match Ban by FIFA

Buenos Aires – Argentina’s World Cup-winning goalkeeper, Emiliano Martinez, has been suspended for two matches by FIFA due to “offensive behaviour,” the Argentine Football Association (AFA) confirmed on Saturday.

The 32-year-old Aston Villa goalkeeper was also found guilty of “violating principles of fair play” in two separate incidents. The first occurred after Argentina’s World Cup qualifier victory over Chile on September 5, when Martinez was seen holding a replica of the Copa America trophy in a manner deemed inappropriate by FIFA.

This is not the first time Martinez has been reprimanded for such behaviour. He made headlines for a similar gesture after receiving the Golden Glove award following Argentina’s penalty shootout win against France in the 2022 World Cup final.

In addition to this, Martinez was sanctioned for another incident on September 10, when he struck a TV cameraman’s camera with his gloves after Argentina’s 2-1 defeat to Colombia.

The AFA voiced strong opposition to FIFA’s ruling, releasing a statement expressing their dissatisfaction. “It should be noted that the Argentine Football Association expresses its absolute disagreement with the decision taken by the FIFA disciplinary committee,” the statement read.

The ban will prevent Martinez from participating in Argentina’s upcoming international fixtures, further intensifying tensions between the AFA and FIFA.

Key Points:

1. FIFA Ban: Emiliano Martinez, Argentina’s World Cup-winning goalkeeper, has been suspended for two matches by FIFA for “offensive behaviour.”
2. Incidents: Martinez was found guilty of violating FIFA’s principles of fair play in two incidents:
   • After Argentina’s win over Chile on September 5, when he held a replica of the Copa America trophy to his groin.
   • Following Argentina’s 2-1 loss to Colombia on September 10, when he struck a TV cameraman’s camera with his gloves.
3. Repeat Offender: Martinez had previously faced criticism for a similar gesture with the Golden Glove trophy after Argentina’s victory over France in the 2022 World Cup final.
4. AFA Response: The Argentine Football Association (AFA) expressed “absolute disagreement” with FIFA’s decision, criticizing the disciplinary ruling.
5. Impact: Martinez’s ban will keep him out of Argentina’s upcoming international Matches