FIFA Bans Argentina Goalkeeper Martínez for ‘Offensive Behaviour’

FIFA has handed a suspension to Argentina’s goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez for offensive behavior. Learn more about the incident that led to the ban and its potential impact on his career.

The Argentine Football Association (AFA) announced on Saturday that Argentina’s World Cup-winning goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez has been suspended for two matches by FIFA for “aggressive conduct”.

The 32-year-old Aston Villa star was also found guilty of “violating the principles of fair play” in two separate incidents.
After beating Chile in a World Cup qualifier on September 5, Martinez was found guilty of violating FIFA’s code of conduct by pressing a replica Copa America trophy against his groin.

This is not the first time Martinez has done so. He already won the Golden Glove award for best goalkeeper after Argentina beat France on penalties in the 2022 World Cup final.

FIFA also penalized the player for hitting a photographer’s camera with his glove after a 2–1 loss to Colombia on September 10.

The Argentine Football Association (AFA) expressed its dissatisfaction with FIFA’s decision.

“It should be noted that the Argentine Football Federation expresses its absolute rejection of the decision of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee,” the association said in a statement.

The decision means that Martinez, a key player in Argentina’s national team that won the Copa America in July and the 2021 tournament, will miss the team’s World Cup qualifiers against Venezuela on October 10 and Bolivia on October 15.

Argentina leads the South American qualifying table with 18 points after eight games, just two points behind Colombia.

AFP