World Cup 2010

Argentina Coach Diego Maradona Facing Five Match Ban

His public outburst has landed him in hot water with FIFA...

Oct 17, 2009 10:04:29 AM

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Argentina coach Diego Maradona is facing the prospect of a five match ban following his outburst and verbal tirade directed at the Argentine media after he successfully guided the Albiceleste to next summer's World Cup finals in South Africa.

The unrepentant coach has flatly refused to apologise for his outburst and FIFA president Sepp Blatter has confirmed that football's governing body will be investigating the matter.

According to Spanish publication AS, El Pelusa faces a minimum penalty of a five match ban as well as other sanctions as he may have violated Article 58 of the FIFA disciplinary code which reads as follows:

"Whoever humbles himself by acts or words, to discriminate or insult a person or group of persons because of race, skin colour, language, creed or origin in a way that undermines human dignity will be suspended for a minimum of five games. In addition, the offender shall be prohibited access to the stadium and will incur a fine of not less than 20,000 Swiss francs [€13,000] ".

The possible sanctions are sure to give Maradona and the Argentine Football Association (AFA) a fresh headache after months of uncertainty regarding their place at the World Cup.

Paul Madden, Goal.com

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