Few people in Argentina are more familiar with FIFA’s disciplinary committee than Diego Maradona.
Controversy followed Maradona throughout his playing and coaching career, and the Argentine legend was forced to serve a series of bans for everything from violent conduct on the pitch to drug offences.
The severity of his past charges may explain Maradona’s disgust with FIFA after the world football governing body banned Lionel Messi for four matches following an outburst at a linesman during Argentina‘s victory over Chile.
In an interview with Argentine radio station La Oral Deportiva, translated by Adriana Garcia of ESPNFC, Maradona – a FIFA ambassador – revealed he plans to talk to FIFA president Gianni Infantino about reducing the suspension.
“Messi’s ban is excessive and terrible,” Maradona said. “Very shortly I will meet with Infantino in Bahrain and as usual, I will tell him what I think.”
He added: “Four games is a lot and although his words were very strong, I think it (the ban) can be changed.”
Despite losing to Bolivia hours after learning about the ban, Argentina sits fifth in the CONMEBOL table. The top four countries will qualify for the 2018 World Cup directly while …read more