FIFA has imposed a two-match ban on Argentina’s World Cup-winning goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez for offensive behavior.
The 32-year-old Aston Villa star was found guilty of violating fair play principles in two incidents, including holding a replica trophy to his groin and hitting a TV cameraman’s camera with his gloves.
The Argentine Football Association confirmed the ban, noting that Martinez had also previously engaged in similar actions following previous victories.
The AFA expressed their dissatisfaction with the FIFA ruling.
“It should be noted that the Argentine Football Association expresses its absolute disagreement with the decision taken by the FIFA disciplinary committee,” they said in a statement.
As a result of the decision Martinez — also a key member of the Argentina side that won the Copa America in July, as well as the 2021 edition — will miss the World Cup qualifiers against Venezuela on October 10 and Bolivia on October 15.
Argentina are top of the South American qualifying table with 18 points after eight matches. Colombia are just two points behind
