Maradona facing five match ban

Diego Maradona (Image via Wikipedia)

Diego Maradona could be handed a five-match ban by FIFA for his public outburst following Argentina’s last-gasp qualification for the 2010 World Cup.

The Argentina coach launched a scathing verbal attack on the local media during a live TV post-match interview following his side’s 1-0 victory over Uruguay on Wednesday.

The 48-year-old refused to apologise for the outburst and as a result FIFA’s disciplinary committee are investigating the issue.

Maradona could be handed a hefty fine and a five-match ban for being in violation of Article 58 of the FIFA disciplinary code which reads: “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 €13,000.”

Maradona was unhappy with the negativity in the Argentine press throughout his side’s qualification campaign during which the national team suffered a heavy 6-1 defeat to Bolivia in April.