Controversy erupts after Maradona’s departure
On the fateful day of 26th July, the destiny of Maradona was sealed as he was removed from the position of Argentina’s coach by the governing body of Argentinean football. Contrary to the expectations, the announcement of his removal led to the eruption of another controversy; Maradona, who is marred by controversies throughout his life, was once again at the centre of hullabaloo surrounding Argentinean football.
What was interesting about this fiasco was the way in which Maradona was relieved by the AFA (Argentine Football Association). Julio Grondona, the president of the AFA, was instrumental in removing Maradona as he himself was troubled by the unconventional style of Diego’s management. Maradona neither quit nor was sacked, he was pushed and there is no one better in the world at pushing his staff out than Julio Humberto Grondona.
Grondona has been in charge of Argentinean football affairs for the last 31 years. He is the only public official in the country who survived successive dictatorships and democratic governments. Maradona’s contract as Argentina’s head coach expired on the 30th June.
While, AFA directors were interested in removing Maradona, Grondona wanted to stick to the Argentinean legend. However, Grondona also needed to keep into account the role of AFA directors in the next year’s presidential election. Additionally, there were some other factors, which led to Grondona’s decision. One of them was the delay in the meeting to discuss Maradona's new contract which was caused when Diego took a flight to Venezuela to meet his good friend Hugo Chávez, rather than stay at home to talk. Although from his home, Maradona made his stance clear when he phoned a TV show and told them, “If they even touch the kit man. I'll walk.”
Similarly, there were some other reasons such as the controversy of Oscar Ruggeri and TyC Company. Maradona, who is famous for his eccentric behaviour, further aggravated his position when he turned down the invitation of Cristina Fernández de Kirchner, the Argentine president, for state dinner. Instead, Hugo Chavez was the first president; he met after the World Cup. In the past, Cristina has been an adamant supporter of Maradona but the Argentinean legend’s snubbing cost him a close ally. With all these factors culminating, his removal was inevitable. After Maradona’s television appearance, the job was made much simpler for Grondona.
After the removal of Maradona, Estudiantes manager, Alejandro Sabella, is tipped to get Argentina’s football top job. In case the former Sheffield United and Leeds player decides to stay with his club, then Diego Simeone, Miguel Angel Russo and youth team coach Sergio Batistal will be in race for contention. On the other hand, there are some news linking Maradona to Mexico and Napoli. The only loser from this fiasco is Grondona, who has severely damaged his reputation.
Maradona held his ground till the last moment and kept the same stand throughout. After his sacking, Maradona said, “Grondona lied to me, [national team co-ordinator Carlos] Bilardo betrayed me.” Diego Armanda Maradona was once the greatest player of his generation. He steered Napoli to the Italian and European Championship but his greatest achievement was winning the World Cup for Argentina in 1986. He single handed steered Argentina to the football biggest prize. He was hit by few scandals and controversies in his post-retirement time. However he made his comeback, when he was appointed Argentina’s coach for the 2010 World cup campaign amid criticism from media and former players. He steered Argentina to the second round of the World Cup in perfect style. Nonetheless their exit was highly anti-climax as they were humbled by Germans.
Maradona has faced many ups and downs throughout his career but has somehow always come out of them successfully. After this fiasco, we are certain that he will once again come out of it with his larger than life personality. However, this controversy may have adverse effects on the affairs of Argentinean football.
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