Emiliano Martinez could be punished by FIFA for his over-the-top antics after Argentina’s World Cup final victory over France last month.
After a roller-coaster campaign, Argentina and Lionel Messi finally got their hands on the elusive World Cup. They defeated France in the final on penalties after the game dramatically ended 3-3.
As was expected, the Argentina players and fans went crazy with their celebrations both in Qatar and back home. But one player was judged to have gone a step too far.
Martinez, who was the penalty shootout hero, began to openly mock Kylian Mbappe in the dressing room afterward and over the next week. He was spotted with a doll that had the French striker’s face on it and consistently mocked him during their homecoming parade.
He also famously celebrated winning the golden glove award by making a rude gesture with the trophy.
But now FIFA has released a statement that reveals that Martinez and his fellow Argentina players have broken some rules.
“potential breaches of articles 11 (Offensive behaviour and violations of the principles of fair play) and 12 (Misconduct of players and officials) of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, as well as of article 44 of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Regulations.”
Do you think they deserve to be punished?