Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez has been handed a suspension by FIFA, ruling him out of Argentina’s next two matches due to “offensive behaviour.”
The ban follows two incidents during the September 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Chile and Colombia.
Martinez sparked controversy after the 3-0 victory over Chile on September 6 by mimicking his controversial 2022 World Cup celebrations, this time holding a replica Copa America trophy against his crotch.
This game marked Argentina’s first since their Copa America triumph in the United States in July.
Further issues arose on September 10, when Martinez struck a camera with his gloves as a cameraman approached him following Argentina’s 2-1 loss to Colombia.
In response to the ban, the Argentina Football Association expressed its disagreement but acknowledged Martinez’s “responsibility” for his actions.
The suspension relates to two incidents in 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Chile and Colombia this month. pic.twitter.com/YizdRXsAaO
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) September 28, 2024
As a result, the goalkeeper will sit out the World Cup qualifiers against Venezuela and Bolivia in October.
Martinez, who earned the Golden Glove award for best goalkeeper at the 2022 World Cup, made headlines at the time for placing the trophy near his groin during the presentation.
The punishment will have no impact on his club duties, meaning he can continue on with Aston Villa.
The Villans travel to Ipswich in the Premier League this weekend, with the 32-year-old set to start as usual under Unai Emery.
Martinez has always been a controversial figure for his penalty tactics and celebrations.
His taunting has been on full display in England’s top flight, much to the amusement of following Villa fans.
