Argentina’s 2022 FIFA World Cup hero, Emiliano Martinez has been handed a two-match suspension by FIFA’s disciplinary committee for breaching fair play principles. As a result, the goalkeeper will be unavailable for the defending champions' upcoming World Cup qualifiers next month against Venezuela and Bolivia. The Aston Villa custodian breached FIFA’s code of conduct during the recent Copa America matches against Chile and Colombia. Following Argentina’s victory over Chile, the goalkeeper was spotted holding a replica of the Copa America trophy near his groin, mimicking the celebration he performed after winning the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
He also faced repercussions for his behavior after Argentina’s 2-1 defeat to Colombia on September 10, when he shoved a camera operator’s equipment after the match ended.
“Damian Emiliano Martinez is being held responsible for his offensive behaviour and violation of the principles of fair play,” the AFA said in an official statement.
“It should be noted that the Argentine Football Association expresses its absolute disagreement with the decision taken by the FIFA disciplinary committee,” it further added.
Argentina currently lead the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying table with 18 points from eight games, maintaining a two-point advantage over second-placed Colombia.
The top six teams in the CONMEBOl qualifiers will earn direct entry to the 2026 World Cup, while the team finishing in seventh will compete in an inter-confederation playoff for a chance to qualify for the tournament.
In the ongoing season, Martinez has played a total of 6 matches and have secured a solitary clean sheet so far.