Diego Maradona Axed as Argentina Coach

Diego Maradona's time as Argentina coach was brought to an abrupt end.

It has been just three and a half weeks since Argentina was humiliated in the World Cup quarterfinals by Germany 4-0.

The Argentine Football Association confirmed yesterday that they were not going to renew his contract.

"Diego shut himself off to any change", stated Luis Segura, a executive committee member of the AFA.

"Diego has all the right to do what he wants. But so does AFA."

Maradona had been offered a four-year contract through to the 2014 World Cup, but he was only willing to sign if his entire staff remained with him. 

AFA president Julio Grondona could not accept the deal.

He previously wanted a number of his assistants to be replaced, including Maradona's close friend Alejandro Mancuso.

Another AFA spokesman, Ernesto Cherquis Bialo, said that the decision was "very painful," but it had to be done for the team's future. 

"The president said that there was a significant difference between what AFA wanted to achieve and Maradona's aspirations for the future. There was a wide gap, and it was impossible to narrow it. This marks the end of a first chapter with Mr. Maradona. 

"The doors to this house, as always, will be open to him."

With Maradona out of the way, youth team manager Sergio Batista has been appointed interim coach for their international friendly matches against Ireland and Spain.

The Football world will miss the energetic and enthusiastic character on the sideline.

Hopefully he will find another job in the sport.