Maradona handed Fifa ban

[Spursman]

Argentina coach Diego Maradona has been banned 'from all football related activity' for two months.

The fiery South American has also been fined 25,000 Swiss francs (£14,800) following his outburst at the end of his side's successful 2010 World Cup qualification campaign.

Maradona unloaded a foul-mouthed rant at reporters in response to the mounting criticism which had been levelled at his players and their uninspiring displays.

They rather stumbled over the line in the South American qualifying section, but booked their safe passage to South Africa nonetheless.

Maradona, who had seen pressure mount on his shoulders, chose to vent his anger at the press rather than keep his opinions to himself and celebrate a job well done.

A fine and suspension were touted as a possible punishment, and Fifa have now confirmed that will be the case.

A statement released by word football's governing body said: "The sanction applies from 15th November 2009 to 15th January 2010."

Maradona was charged during a hearing in Zurich, where he had flown into following Argentina's 2-1 defeat to Spain on Saturday.

The 1986 World Cup-winning captain left without speaking to the media, but did apologise for his actions during the hearing, saying: "I apologise to Fifa and the world football family."

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