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The Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) has handed a two-match suspension to Argentina’s World Cup winning goalkeeper, Emiliano Martinez for “offensive behaviour”. The decision from football’s governing body came after the Argentina international was seen bringing up lewd gestures on multiple occasions recently.
Furthermore, the Argentina Football Association (AFA) confirmed this development with the Argentina goalkeeper missing the next two games for the side after he was handed two-match suspension for violating principles of fair play and exhibiting offensive behaviour during the recent World Cup qualifiers.
Speaking of the two incidents that the FIFA has highlighted, are from the World Cup qualifiers. The first occurred on September 5 during Argentina’s win against Chile where Martinez celebrated by holding a replica of Copa America trophy inappropriately, a gesture which was a reminiscent of his controversial celebration at the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The second incident occurred on September 10, following the La Albiceleste’s 2-1 defeat against Colombia.
The 32-year-old goalkeeper shoved a camera operator’s equipment and was thereafter accused of slapping a cameraman. Jhonny Jackson, a Caracoal Television and RCN Deportes cameraman later alleged that Martinez “slapped” him. “Out of the blue, he slapped me. I felt very angry. I was just doing my job, just like he was,” Jackson told RCN Deportes.
Watch Emiliano Martinez’s “offensive behaviour” after Argentina’s defeat against Colombia:
Argentina goalkeeper ruled out of FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers against Venezuela and Bolivia
Although the FIFA has announced their decision on the matter, the AFA has voiced its displeasure on the same. “Damian Emiliano Martinez is being held responsible for his offensive behaviour a violation of the principles of fair play,” the AFA said in its statement. However, the AFA further added, “It should be noted that the Argentina Football Association expressed its absolute disagreement with the decision taken by the FIFA disciplinary committee.”
As a result of it, the Argentina goalkeeper will miss the upcoming matches against Venezuela and Bolivia. The La Albiceleste will face Venezuela on October 10, following a match against Bolivia on October 15 in their round-robin competition. The side currently leads South American World Cup qualifying with 18 points after eight games, followed by Colombia (16) and Uruguay (15).
