Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano “Dibu” Martinez suspended by FIFA for two matches
BUENOS AIRES: FIFA has suspended Argentine goalkeeper Emiliano “Dibu” Martinez for two matches due to “offensive behavior,” according to a statement released by the Argentine Football Association (AFA) on Friday. As a result, Martinez will miss Argentina’s upcoming South American World Cup qualifiers in October against Venezuela and Bolivia.
The suspension stems from incidents in recent matches against Chile and Colombia. During the Chile match, which marked Martinez’s first appearance since Argentina’s Copa America victory in the United States, the Aston Villa player celebrated by making a lewd gesture with the trophy. This echoed a similar celebration after Argentina’s 2022 World Cup win in Qatar. In a subsequent loss to Colombia, Martinez struck a local television camera, further contributing to his punishment.
The AFA expressed disagreement with FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee ruling, which cited Martinez’s actions as a violation of fair play principles. Despite the controversy, the 32-year-old goalkeeper remains a key figure in Argentina’s pursuit of qualification for the 2026 World Cup.
