By Duncan Mackay
December 2 – Diego Maradona (pictured), one of the greatest players in history and now Argentina’s coach, has been told by FIFA that he is not welcome in Cape Town at the draw for next year’s World Cup.
The world governing body have said Maradona’s two-month suspension for an expletive-filled rant at a news conference extends beyond matches and also includes such activities as the draw in South Africa on Friday.
FIFA secretary general Jerome Valcke said that they have sent a letter to the Argentine delegation to say “be aware that he is banned and we are asking you to make sure that he is not coming.”
Maradona will also miss Argentina’s friendly against the Czech Republic on December 16 but will be allowed to return in time for the World Cup.
The ban even extends to Maradona travelling to South Africa to work in a media capacity.
Valcke said: ”If Maradona appears now as a journalist for a media company, again, his accreditation will not be delivered by FIFA.
“Maradona has been officially banned from all football activities.
“It is not just a ban for friendly matches or official matches.
“It is for all football activities.
“If he is asking for an accreditation, I can tell you – no way.”
A FIFA disciplinary panel last month excluded him from the sport until January 15 after he launched a foul-mouth tirade against the media who had been critical of him after Argentina beat Uruguay 1-0 in its final qualifier last month in Montevideo to secure their place in South Africa.
They also fined Maradona more than $24,000 (£14,000) after the incident which was broadcast live on several television stations.
Maradona, 49, who faced a potential ban from some of his team’s matches at next year’s World Cup, apologised for his behaviour and showed remorse, FIFA said.
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