This is punishment for his outburst following the World Cup qualifier against Uruguay last month. Maradona hit out at his critics following his side's 1-0 win in Montevideo on October 14, which secured their place at next summer's finals in South Africa. The 49-year-old apologised for his comments at the hearing in Zurich today but FIFA opted to impose the ban as well as a £14,800 fine.
Maradona took over as Argentina head coach in November last year and was fiercely criticised for his handling of the national team's World Cup qualification campaign.
The former World Cup winner used over 70 players before the team finally earned qualification to the finals with victory in their last match against neighbours Uruguay. It was after that match that Maradona unleashed a foul-mouthed tirade at the media and prompted FIFA to act. Maradona's ban is effective immediately meaning he will not be able to return to coach his country until January 16.
"The committee reached this decision following a three-hour meeting at the Home of FIFA in Zurich," a statement from FIFA read. "The head coach of Argentina was heard by the committee during 40 minutes and apologised to FIFA and the world football family. "The committee took into consideration the apologies and the sincere remorse shown by Maradona in its decision, which was communicated to him at the end of the meeting.
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