Emiliano Martinez will be absent from Argentina’s next two matches after being suspended by FIFA for “offensive behavior”.
Why Was Emiliano Martinez Suspended For 2 Matches By FIFA?
The two-game ban is due to separate incidents in La Albiceleste’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification matches against Chile and Colombia on September 6 and 10, 2024 respectively.
Martinez repeated his abominable celebrations after the 2022 FIFA World Cup triumph by holding a replica Copa America trophy against his crotch after Argentina’s 3-0 victory over Chile on September 6, 2024.
The encounter was Lionel Scaloni’s side’s first outing since winning the Copa America in the United States on July 15, 2024, with Emiliano Martinez playing an instrumental role in them claiming the Copa America title in back-to-back fashion.
On September 10, 2024, Emiliano Martinez also made the headlines for hitting a camera with his gloves as a cameraman approached him on the pitch after Argentina’s 2-1 defeat to Colombia.
Argentina Football Association Respond To 2-match Ban Slammed On Emiliano Martinez
The Argentina Football Association have responded to the punishment meted out to Martinez, indicating their disagreement with the suspension but adding that the Aston Villa man is fully “responsible” for his actions.
Emiliano Martinez’s suspension means he will be unavailable for Argentina’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification matches against Venezuela and Bolivia on October 10 and 16, 2024, respectively.
Meanwhile, Martinez won the Golden Glove award for being the best keeper at the 2022 FIFA World Cup and he interestingly placed the trophy near his groin after the presentation.
Emiliano Martinez In Major Tournaments For Argentina
Martinez was pivotal to Argentina winning the 2021 Copa America, as he produced several magnificent saves in the tournament.
He saved 3 penalties in the semi-finals, as Lionel Scaloni’s side recorded a 3-2 win on penalties over Colombia, after playing out a 1-1 draw in regulation time.
In the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, Emiliano Martinez also inspired Argentina to win the tournament, as he saved 3 penalties during the shootout against France in the final.
Emiliano Martinez is fondly remembered for his big save to deny Kolo Muani in injury time of extra-time, spreading himself to deal with the danger.
Martinez, who is known for his antics and theatrical displays was recently named amongst the 10-man shortlist for the Yashin Trophy at the 2024 Ballon d’Or awards.
Emiliano Martinez is the favorite to claim the prize for a second consecutive year after conceding just a goal in Argentina’s successful Copa América title defense.
The goalie is also one of two Argentina players on the 2024 Ballon d’Or shortlist, alongside Inter Milan forward Lautaro Martinez.
Martinez made 47 appearances for Aston Villa in the 2023/24 season, keeping 15 clean sheets in all competitions.
Emiliano Martinez Career Stats
Martinez, also known by the nickname Dibu, has made 47 appearances for Argentina, and he has kept 34 clean sheets thus far.
Emiliano Martinez has made 263 club appearances thus far in his career, amassing 86 clean sheets.
Clubs He Has Played For?
The 31-year-old has represented several clubs in his career, including; Wolverhampton Wanderers, Oxford United, Arsenal FC, Getafe CF, and currently, Aston Villa.
Emiliano Martinez Contract Details
He joined the Villa Park side from Arsenal in the summer of 2020 for a fee of €17.4 million and his contract with the club runs until January 30, 2027, having penned a 5-year contract extension in January 2022.
Emiliano Martinez Market Value And Salary
Emiliano Martinez’s market value is €28 million and he earns about €125,000 per week at Aston Villa.
Martinez’s Date Of Birth And Achievement
Martinez was born on September 2, 1992, in Mar del Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina, and he has won several trophies in his career, including; 1 FIFA World Cup, 1 Copa America, and 3 FA Cup titles.
