FIFA suspends Argentina goalkeeper Martinez for two World Cup qualifier games

Argentina's Emiliano Martínez has been handed a two-match suspension by FIFA for violating fair play principles during World Cup qualifiers. The goalkeeper will miss crucial matches against Venezuela and Bolivia.

In Short

• Emiliano Martínez handed two-match suspension by FIFA's disciplinary committee
• The star goalkeeper will miss Argentina's matches against Venezuela and Bolivia
• Argentina currently sits at the top of Conmebol World Cup qualifying standings

Argentina's star goalkeeper Emiliano "Dibu" Mart­nez has been handed a two-match suspension by FIFA's disciplinary committee for violating principles of fair play and exhibiting offensive behavior during recent World Cup qualifiers. As a result, Mart­nez will miss Argentina's upcoming matches against Venezuela on October 10 and Bolivia on October 15.

The suspension stems from two incidents. The first occurred on September 5 during Argentina's victory against Chile, where Mart­nez celebrated by holding a replica of the Copa América trophy inappropriately, a gesture reminiscent of his controversial celebration at the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The second incident happened on September 10, following Argentina's 2-1 defeat to Colombia. After the match, Mart­nez shoved a camera operator's equipment.

Martinez was accused of slapping a cameraman following the team's 2-1 loss to Colombia in a FIFA World Cup qualifier in Barranquilla. After the frustrating match, during which Martinez was repeatedly booed by the Colombian crowd, he was seen pushing a camera away. Jhonny Jackson, a Caracol Television and RCN Deportes cameraman, later alleged that the 32-year-old goalkeeper "slapped" him. According to Jackson, the incident occurred when he aimed his camera at Martinez as the goalkeeper was shaking hands with another player. “Out of the blue, he slapped me. I felt very angry. I was just doing my job, just like he was,” Jackson told RCN Deportes.

Despite Mart­nez and the Argentine Football Federation (AFA) presenting a defense, FIFA confirmed the goalkeeper's suspension. The AFA publicly voiced its displeasure, stating, "It should be noted that the Argentine Football Association expresses its absolute disagreement with the decision taken by the FIFA disciplinary committee."

Argentina currently sits at the top of the Conmebol World Cup qualifying standings with 18 points after eight matches, holding a two-point lead over second-place Colombia. Six teams from the South American qualifiers will directly advance to the 2026 World Cup, with the seventh team competing in an inter-confederation playoff.

Mart­nez's absence in the next two qualifiers will be a significant blow for Argentina as they look to solidify their position at the top of the standings.