Argentina's Emiliano Martínez gets 2-game World Cup Qualifying ban! but why?
Xtra Time Web Desk: FIFA's disciplinary committee has handed a two-match suspension to Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano "Dibu" Martínez for offensive behavior and breaching the principles of fair play. As a result, Martínez will miss Argentina's upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Venezuela on October 10 and Bolivia on October 15.
The suspension stems from an incident on September 5, when Martínez held a replica of the Copa América trophy to his groin, recalling a similar celebration from the 2022 World Cup. Additionally, he faced disciplinary action for shoving a camera operator's equipment after Argentina's 2-1 defeat to Colombia on September 10. The operator, Jhonny Jackson, expressed that he felt "assaulted" by Martínez and was "very angry" after the encounter.
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The Argentine Football Federation (AFA) submitted a defense on Martínez's behalf but criticized FIFA's decision, expressing its "absolute disagreement" with the sanctions.
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Despite the suspension, Argentina remains at the top of the Conmebol World Cup qualifying standings with 18 points from eight matches, maintaining a two-point lead over second-placed Colombia. The top six teams from Conmebol will qualify directly for the 2026 World Cup, while the seventh-placed team will compete in an inter-confederation playoff.
