16 Nov 2009

Maradona banned from football for 2 months

6:39 am on 16 November 2009

The Argentina coach Diego Maradona has been banned from all football for two months by Fifa for his furious outburst after last month's victory over Uruguay.

Maradona, under pressure in the run-up to the match, directed an expletive-laden tirade, broadcast on live TV, at reporters and critics after the game.

The 1-nil win ensured Argentina qualified for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

The ban will run from now, which is a down time in Argentine football, meaning his role as coach at the World Cup will not be affected.

He could however miss a home international friendly against the Czech Republic scheduled for 16 December, although the match has yet to be confirmed.

Maradona, who attended the three-hour disciplinary committee hearing in Zurich, was also fined 34 thousand dollars.