Emi Martinez penalty antics could be banned with IFAB to clamp down on gamesmanship

The Aston Villa star garnered plenty of attention during the World Cup in penalty shootouts for his gamesmanship that ultimately led to Argentina winning the tournament.

Advertisement

But that will have to change after the International Football Association Board [IFAB] took issue with the tactics used by the 30-year-old, though he was not alone at the World Cup.

According to The Sun, the IFAB are making changes to the rules that will restrict goalkeepers from interfering with the penalty taker.

Advertisement

Psyching out the opponent is set to be deemed an offence, though it remains unclear what sort of punishment will be dealt to the guilty party.

Martinez performed a number of dark arts throughout the World Cup that caused plenty of controversy, including against the Netherlands in the quarter-final.

The Villa stopper dropped the ball as he was about to hand it to Steven Berghuis, kicked it to the side before Teun Koopmeiers' effort and booted the ball towards the centre circle as Luuk de Jong was about to take his spot-kick.

And in the final, Martinez repeated himself by remonstrating with the referee before Randal Kolo Muani's penalty and picking up the ball and throwing it away as Aurelien Tchouameni stepped up to the spot, and then missed.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Andries Noopert also performed similar acts for the Netherlands while Australia's Andrew Redmayne put on a bizarre dance routine to get into his opponent's heads.

It has led to the IFAB agreeing that keepers will not be allowed to delay penalties or "unfairly distract" the taker.

The new laws are being drafted up and could come into play by next season with the regulations to be ratified in March.

Advertisement

Martinez went on to claim the Golden Glove at the World Cup in Qatar, as well as the trophy itself, and the goalkeeper celebrated by making a crude gesture with the Glove.

Speaking about the incident, the ex-Arsenal star said: "I did it because the French booed me. Pride does not work with me."

On the final itself, Martinez added: "We suffered a lot. We thought we were in control but they managed to come back.

Advertisement

"It was a very complicated game. Our destiny was to suffer.

"They had one last chance to win [Kolo Muani's late shot]. Luckily I was able to stop it with my foot.

"This is a moment I've always dreamed of living, I have no words for it. I left very young for England and I would like to dedicate this victory to my family."

Keep up to date with all the latest news, rumours and gossip with our LIVE transfer blog