Maradona Is Facing Ban From Cup Finals
LEAD: Diego Maradona, the 29-year-old Argentine forward whose knack for scoring goals is nearly matched by his penchant for controversy, is skirting possible disqualification from the 1990 World Cup finals.
Diego Maradona, the 29-year-old Argentine forward whose knack for scoring goals is nearly matched by his penchant for controversy, is skirting possible disqualification from the 1990 World Cup finals.
Maradona had not spoken to reporters for several weeks after what he considered unfair coverage of his marriage in Argentina. But when he talked to Italian reporters in Cagliari on Tuesday, he charged that the World Cup draw in Rome on Dec. 9 was fixed for the benefit of television.
That upset Italy's soccer officials, who have promised disciplinary action against Maradona that might lead to a fine or his disqualification from the Italian league. Yesterday, though, Milan's major daily newspaper, Corriere della Sera, backed Maradona, saying he had clearly stated 'what many had thought and some had let be understood between the lines.'
'It has been long known that World Cup draws are skillfully predetermined, but nobody ever protested,' the newspaper said. 'Now that Maradona, 'Mr. Disagreeable,' said it openly, it's too easy to attack him.'
Joseph Blatter, the secretary general of the International Soccer Federation, said Maradona might be banned from playing for Argentina, the defending champion, in next year's World Cup because of his 'malicious accusations.'
Maradona said he could not believe such a threat, adding: 'If I must apologize for my remarks, I will apologize. But I am not going to recant anything.'(AP)  SPORTS PEOPLE: SOCCER