FIFA has handed Argentina's goalkeeper, Emiliano Martinez, a two-match ban for offensive behavior during World Cup qualifiers. Martinez violated fair play rules with actions after matches against Chile and Colombia. The ban affects Argentina’s upcoming qualifiers against Venezuela and Bolivia, as the AFA expresses discontent with the decision.
Argentina’s World Cup-winning goalkeeper, Emiliano Martinez, has been banned for two matches by FIFA due to "offensive behavior" and for violating principles of fair play. Martinez, who plays for Aston Villa, faced disciplinary action for two incidents: holding a replica of the Copa America trophy to his groin after Argentina’s World Cup qualifier victory over Chile on September 5, and hitting a TV cameraman’s equipment after their 2-1 defeat to Colombia on September 10.
The Argentine Football Association (AFA) expressed its disagreement with the decision, but the ban means Martinez will miss Argentina’s World Cup qualifiers against Venezuela on October 10 and Bolivia on October 15. Martinez has a history of similar actions, notably repeating the gesture with the Golden Glove trophy after Argentina’s 2022 World Cup final victory against France.
The ban is a significant blow for Argentina, who currently sit at the top of the South American World Cup qualifying table with 18 points from eight matches. Colombia is close behind with 16 points, putting extra pressure on Argentina’s next matches without their star goalkeeper.
