Argentina’s Emiliano Martinez has been handed a two-match ban by FIFA for misconduct during recent games.
The World Cup-winning goalkeeper was cited for “offensive behavior,” according to the Argentine Football Association (AFA). The 32-year-old Aston Villa star also faced accusations of “violating principles of fair play” in two separate incidents.
Martinez violated FIFA’s code by holding a replica Copa America trophy to his groin after Argentina’s win over Chile on September 5. He had previously made a similar gesture with the Golden Glove trophy following the 2022 World Cup final against France.
Additionally, FIFA penalized him for hitting a TV camera with his gloves after Argentina’s 2-1 defeat to Colombia on September 10.
The AFA expressed strong disagreement with FIFA’s ruling. As a result, Martinez, a key player in Argentina’s Copa America victory, will miss the qualifiers against Venezuela on October 10 and Bolivia on October 15.
Argentina currently leads the South American qualifying table with 18 points from eight matches, with Colombia just two points behind.