FIFA slaps Emi Martinez with match ban

Argentina goalkeeper Emi Martinez has received a two-game FIFA ban for having ‘displayed offensive behaviour’ and for ‘violating principles of fair play’.

The Aston Villa shot-stopper has now been punished for offences during the Copa America and is now set to miss Argentina's next couple of matches slated for the coming international break.

The football ruling body penalised Martinez for repeating his gesture from the 2021 World Cup final, as he held a replica of the Copa America title to his pelvic area following their triumph over Chile last month. 

Also, he was found to have violated fair play regulations for shoving the equipment of a camera operator, one Jhonny Jackson. 

Martinez has been suspended for two matches; hence, he will miss the World Cup qualifier clashes against Venezuela and Bolivia set for October 10th and 15th, respectively. 

The Argentine Football Federation (AFA) have released a statement following the ruling, expressing their disappointment at the sanctions. 

"It should be noted that the Argentine Football Association expresses its absolute disagreement with the decision taken by the FIFA disciplinary committee.”

Meanwhile, Martinez believes that Lionel Messi, who will be 39 during the next Mundial, can lead Argentina to a World Cup triumph in two years.