Emiliano Martinez has been officially banned for two matches by FIFA. Therefore, the 32-year-old goalkeeper currently playing for Aston Villa will miss Argentina's upcoming two matches against Venezuela and Bolivia in October, in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in South America.
Emiliano Martinez pays the price for his 'crazy' actions
According to journalist Gaston Edul of TyC Sports channel: "FIFA has punished Emiliano Martinez in an unusual way. There are two arguments: one is the "inappropriate" gesture during the celebration of the Copa America 2024 championship after Argentina won 3-0 against Chile. The other is the "inconvenient" incident after the match in Barranquilla when they lost 1-2 to Colombia (September 11)".
Emiliano Martinez once again caused controversy when he repeated the shocking celebration from the 2022 World Cup, which was to hold the Copa America trophy in front of his genitals and towards the visiting Chilean fans. Meanwhile, after the away match against Colombia, Emiliano Martinez pushed a TV cameraman who entered the field to film after the match had ended.
The incident prompted a backlash from the Colombian Sports Journalists Association, which criticized Emiliano Martinez's actions as "aggressive" and demanded that "FIFA impose a severe punishment to set an example" for the goalkeeper.
Controversial images of goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez punished by FIFA
The TV cameraman also spoke out to accuse goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez: "After the match ended, I did my job. Just like Emiliano Martinez did his job on the field. I went onto the field to greet him and approached to film. But for some reason, Emiliano Martinez pushed me down. This really made me angry. But I didn't say anything to him. I continued to do my job."
These incidents caused Emiliano Martinez to receive a heavy penalty from FIFA. Thereby, the Argentine team also received a shock when the number 1 goalkeeper was absent in the next 2 matches in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in South America. Previously, veteran reserve goalkeeper Franco Armani had left the team, so coach Scaloni may choose the current number 2 goalkeeper, Geronimo Rulli of Marseille Club, to start instead of Emiliano Martinez.
In the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers, the Argentina team will likely recall captain Messi after he has fully recovered from injury.
Source: https://thanhnien.vn/doi-tuyen-argentina-nhan-cu-soc-tu-fifa-185240928085314292.htm
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