New Delhi: Argentina’s goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez has been suspended for two matches by FIFA’s disciplinary committee for violating fair pay rules and displaying offensive behaviour in a recent World Cup qualifier. This means the 32-year-old will miss Argentina’s forthcoming games against Venezuela and Bolivia.
FIFA found that Martinez had violated their code of conduct when he held the replica of the Copa America trophy inappropriately to re-enact his celebration from the 2022 FIFA World Cup after a victory over Chile. The Aston Villa goalkeeper was also found guilty of displaying unsporting behaviour when Argentina lost 2-1 to Colombia. After the final whistle, Martinez shoved a camera operator’s equipment.
Emiliano Martinez was not a happy lad last night. 😠 pic.twitter.com/fx84wMXnpW
— Football Tweet ⚽ (@Football__Tweet) September 11, 2024
Martinez was accused of slapping a cameraman after the loss in Barranquilla. According to media sources, the former Arsenal player had allegedly slapped a camera person who had aimed his camera at Martinez whilst he was shaking hands with another player. During the game, Martine was constantly booed by the Colombian crowd, and he was caught striking a camera away.
The Argentine Football Federation stated that Martinez and the association had presented a defence before FIFA made its decision. The AFA said it didn’t agree with the sanctions imposed by the FIFA disciplinary committee. Currently, Argentina is leading the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers with 18 points from eight matches and is two points ahead of Colombia.
The top six teams from the tournament will directly go to the 2026 World Cup, while the seventh-placed will take part in an inter-confederation playoff match to reach the competition to be held in the three North American countries. Argentina will reach the tournament as defending champions, having won the final of the 2022 World Cup against France. As they look to stay at the top of the table, Martinez’s absence is a setback for Argentina.
The Argentina goalkeeper faces two match suspensions following his on pitch misbehaviour. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
