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FIFA to investigate Maradona TV interview rant

  • Story Highlights
  • FIFA to investigate Argentina coach Diego Maradona after clash with Uruguay
  • Maradona gave a reportedly obscene TV interview following his side's 1-0 win
  • The 48-year-old faces a five-match ban if found guilty under FIFA's Article 58
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(CNN) -- Diego Maradona could have compromised his role in Argentina's World Cup build-up after world governing body FIFA announced they are to investigate his conduct in a reportedly obscene TV interview following his side's 1-0 win over Uruguay.

Argentina coach Maradona could face a five-match ban after reportedly giving an obscene TV interview.

Argentina coach Maradona could face a five-match ban after reportedly giving an obscene TV interview.

The victory saw Argentina confirm their qualification for the finals next year and, after a period of prolonged criticizm of his tenure, Maradona responded with some choice words in his post-match questioning.

FIFA have confirmed they will be looking into the incident and if found guilty, they could present him with a five-match ban -- something that would significantly disrupt his planning for South Africa.

FIFA president Sepp Blatter, speaking in Cairo, said: "The media reports we have received so far leave us with with no alternative but to ask the disciplinary committee of FIFA to open a case against the coach of Argentina, Diego Maradona."

FIFA are understood to be investigating the colorful 48-year-old's comments as a potential breach of Article 58 of their disciplinary code.

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The relevant passage reads: "Anyone who offends the dignity of a person or group of persons through contemptuous, discriminatory or denigratory words or actions concerning race, color, language, religion or origin shall be suspended for at least five matches.

Furthermore, a stadium ban and a fine of at least 20,000 Swiss francs shall be imposed."

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