Aston Villa star Emiliano Martinez handed two-match ban by FIFA

Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez has been handed a two-match ban by FIFA following his “offensive” plays during September’s international break with Argentina.

The Copa America winners won 3-0 in Chile before losing 2-1 to Colombia as part of their campaign to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. The results keep Lionel Scaloni’s side at the top out of CONMEBOL World Cup qualification by just two points, but will be without their goalkeeper for the next round of matches.

The Independent reports that the Aston Villa star has been banned for two matches by FIFA for “offensive behaviour” during the September international break.

In a statement released by the Argentine Football Association this Friday, the AFA confirmed the news simply stating: “Damian Emiliano Martínez is being held responsible for his offensive behavior and the violation of the principles of fair play.”

In the Chile match, the first since winning the Copa America in the United States, the goalkeeper celebrated by making an obscene gesture with the trophy, as he did after winning the 2022 World Cup in Qatar; while after the defeat to Colombia, the 32-year-old punched a local television camera.

The Aston Villa star will now miss Argentina’s next two 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Venezuela and Bolivia in October, but the ban does not affect his club career.

More stories / Latest news

Emiliano Martínez still available for Aston Villa

Aston Villa fans will be relieved the ban does not affect their club as Martinez is a key member of Unai Emery’s squad having featured in every Premier League game for Birmingham this season.

The Argentina star is currently preparing for Villa’s visit to Portman Road to face Ipswich Town on Sunday as he looks to continue his impressive start to the 2024/25 campaign.