Sun Sep 29 09:44:32 UTC 2024: ## Argentina’s Martinez Suspended for Two World Cup Qualifiers

**Buenos Aires, Argentina:** Argentina’s star goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez has been suspended for two upcoming South American World Cup qualifying matches, FIFA announced Wednesday. The decision, which rules the 32-year-old out of games against Venezuela and Bolivia on October 10th and 15th, stems from incidents during recent World Cup qualifying matches against Chile and Colombia earlier this month.

While FIFA did not specify the exact nature of the incidents, Martinez made an obscene gesture after the victory against Chile by holding the Copa America trophy close to his genitals, mirroring a similar gesture made after winning the World Cup in Qatar. He also slapped a local cameraman after Argentina’s defeat to Colombia in Barranquilla.

The Argentina Football Association (AFA) has expressed strong disagreement with FIFA’s decision, asserting that the punishment is unjust. Argentina currently leads the South American World Cup qualifying table with 18 points after eight games, closely followed by Colombia and Uruguay.

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