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SAINT PETERSBURG, RUSSIA – JUNE 26: Diego Armando Maradona reacts following the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group D match between Nigeria and Argentina at Saint Petersburg Stadium on June 26, 2018 in Saint Petersburg, Russia. (Photo by Alex Morton/Getty Images)
The curious case of Diego Maradona’s ambassador role and payments at the World Cup. Have FIFA got the best man for the job?
FIFA are now clean handed. Transmitting an honest portrayal under Gianni Infantino. Much like questionably unimpeachable leader of Russia, Vladimir Putin.
While Putin successfully achieved this at the World Cup – contrarily, Infantino endorsed Diego Maradona as an exorbitantly paid FIFA ambassador.
Some of the footballing universe find this laughable. Others like myself are questioning the rationale. Corrupt former totalitarian-in-chief Sepp Blatter received a six-year-ban, ending his football governing body autocracy in 2015.
FIFA naturally desired a universally likeable, incorruptible profile. Enter the new and improved, model III, 2018 – Diego Maradona. The global face of the family operation.
Legendary Status
First of all, only three people to walk – or play – on the planet, are on the same echelon as Maradona. These are: Pele, George Best and Johan Cruyff. True geniuses. Possibly now with the inclusion of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.
Briefly of Maradona’s career, he took a mediocre national side to worldwide glory. Wowed Catalans in Barcelona. Empowering an average Napoli outfit, propelling them to unparalleled modern success.
While, like a scene from Gomorrah, consorting with local Camorra organised crime members, per BBC Sport. After putting Naples on the footballing map – disgrace finished his career in Italy. Told at the time by Independent: Maradona received an 18-month-ban for a positive drug test.
His next destination was Sevilla in Spain. Subsequently returning to Argentina with Newell’s Old Boys and finally Boca Juniors – his beloved club. Maradona can regularly be found hanging from the upper balcony and climbing along in an ape-like fashion at la Bombonera.
In addition, ‘the golden boy’ as he was know throughout his career, played in four World Cups. Despite receiving a ban for another positive drug test.