The world football governing body, Federation of International Football Associations, FIFA has slammed a two match ban on Argentina’s World Cup-winning goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.
According to FIFA, Martinez will serve two match ban from FIFA organized matches for ‘offensive behaviours’.
This was contained in a statement by the Argentine Football Association, AFA on Saturday.
Martinez was also found guilty of “violating principles of fairplay” in two separate episodes.
The 32 year-old Aston Villa goal stopper was found to have violated FIFA’s code of conduct when holding a replica of the Copa America trophy to his groin. This was after Argentina World Cup qualifier win over Chile on September 5.
Recall that it is not the first time Martinez has performed such an action. He did it with the Golden Glove trophy for best goalkeeper after Argentina beat France on penalties in the 2022 World Cup final.
FIFA also sanctioned him for hitting a TV cameraman’s camera with his gloves. The incident happened after Argentina’s 2-1 defeat by Colombia on September 10.
However, AFA has expressed their dissatisfaction with the FIFA ruling.
It said, “It should be noted that the Argentine Football Association expresses its absolute disagreement with the decision taken by the FIFA disciplinary committee.”
With the sanction, Martinez will miss the World Cup qualifiers against Venezuela on October 10 and Bolivia on October 15.
Martinez is a key member of the Argentina side that won the Copa America in July 2024. As well as the 2021 edition of the competition.
Argentina are top of the South American qualifying table with 18 points after eight matches. Colombia are just two points behind.
source: AFP
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