2024-09-28 22:04:26
Published: 10:22, 28 September 2024 Updated: 10:27, 28 September 2024
Emiliano Martinez faces punishment for indecent gesture. Photo: Reuters
Controversy is Emiliano Martinez’s constant companion. Argentina’s goalkeeper proved it once again. This time a two-match ban was added as a punishment. He was banned by FIFA, the highest governing body of football, due to offensive behavior and violation of FIFA Fair Play policy.
Due to the ban, Martinez will not be able to play in the next two matches for Argentina. Martinez will not be able to play in the World Cup qualifying matches against Venezuela on October 10 and against Bolivia on October 15.
It is known that FIFA has punished Martinez due to two separate incidents. The first one was on September 5. On that day, Angel Di Maria’s farewell match saw Argentina take on Chile in the World Cup qualifiers. After the match, Martinez celebrated indecently with the Copa America replica trophy.
He did a similar celebration after winning the World Cup in Qatar in 2022. However, FIFA has found evidence of violations of the code of conduct at this year’s celebration, which resulted in the ban.
He received another penalty for the September 10 match against Colombia. After losing the match that day, he pushed the equipment of the camera operator. Johnny Jackson, the operator, later told Colombian media that he had been “assaulted” by Martinez and was “very angry” about the incident.
Meanwhile, the Argentine Football Federation (AFA) spoke about the suspension of the team’s best goalkeeper. They stand by Martinez. “It should be noted that the Argentine Football Association strongly disagrees with the decision taken by the FIFA Disciplinary Committee,” the AFA said in a statement.
Argentina is currently on top of the 2026 World Cup qualifying points list. They are on top with 18 points in 8 matches with 6 wins and 2 draws. Second-placed Colombia has 16 points in the tie. Brazil is at number 5 on the points list. Their points are 10 in 8 matches. 6 teams from the qualifiers will get direct tickets to the World Cup.
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