How Argentina & Aston Villa star Emiliano Martinez finds himself in hot water with FIFA after cameraman incident in ill-tempered clash with Colombia - explained

The goalkeeper has been sanctioned by FIFA for two incidents which took place while he was with the Argentina squad during the last international break in September. Martinez clashed with a camera operator following Argentina's defeat to Colombia in World Cup 2026 qualifying and also repeated his now-infamous lewd trophy celebration during a Copa America trophy parade.

Martinez has been slapped with a two-game international ban by FIFA for "offensive behaviour". The suspension means the Aston Villa stopper will miss Argentina's World Cup qualifiers against Venezuela on October 10 and Bolivia on October 16.

The Argentine Football Association (AFA) issued a statement in response to the sanction that read: “Despite the defense made by the player and the Argentine Football Association, the Disciplinary Commission of the governing body of World Football made the following decision:

“Martinez is declared responsible for his offensive behavior and his violation of the principles of fair play (art. 13 CDF).

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

Martinez will be missed by Argentina, although Lionel Scaloni's side currently top their World Cup qualifying group by two points, ahead of Colombia. The Aston Villa stopper will be eligible to return to international action in November when Argentina take on Paraguay and Peru.