Diego Maradona: A peculiar choice of FIFA ambassador

World Cup 2018 timeline

It was February 2017 when the questionable appointment of FIFA ambassador came. Without a hint of irony, Maradona exclaimed his ascension on Facebook:

"“Now it’s official. Finally I can fulfil one of the lifelong dreams; to work for a clean and transparent FIFA alongside people who really love football.” – Diego Maradona (Via: ESPN)"

Extraordinarily, the World Cup winner makes £10,000 a game for attendance in his role. Oh, that includes expenses, of course it does. Details on his capacity are hazy. Presumably he has to also appear at bureaucratic, private FIFA events too. Anyway, here is the most extraordinary example set by a diplomatic representative, with help from Telegraph Sport:

An incident of racial abuse towards South Korea supporters. Deplorable. Smoking a cigar in a confined stadium. Absurdly selfish behaviour. Binge drinking: really Diego, it’s not a teenage party, mate. Needing Medical attention – no I am not advocating mental therapy – actually, that is not a ridiculous idea.

Anyway, sadly, the medical attention is in reference to his fainting after the drinking session at the Nigeria game. “I drank all the wine”, the 57-year-old said, declaring the medical attention over and himself alive. Then swearing at rival fans – as you can see in the featured image. It should be noted that he did apologise or attempt to explain his actions.

Being accredited, as Maradona is by FIFA as an ambassador, has an interesting definition: ‘give authority or sanction to (someone or something) when recognised standards have been met.’ It must have been a swift meeting on the day of his designation.

You thought he was finished, oh no

A staggeringly uncommon and deluded opinion below about Colombia’s disgusting first-half game plan in the last 16, reveals Maradona’s English obsession is thriving.

Then a typical back track from the initial delusional outburst.

Incredibly, football’s governing body then gave Maradona their public support. Although they warned him to show more ‘respect’. He was not in the headlines for any more idiotic behaviour in Russia – heeding the warning.

Belarus management

So, after all that, Maradona is still in demand. I sigh heavily in sympathy for Belarusian club Dynamo Brest. Good luck with that publicity stunt. At least his marvellous aptitude should attract interest, top players or develop talent while conducting his three-year deal. Hopefully. News from the Belarusians since appointing the mercurial former superstar is forthcoming; his arrival expected in August.

Conclusion

Apart from heinous criminals, people deserve a second chance. Former drug addicts certainly do. As far as I am aware, Maradona did nothing deserving of a custodial sentence.

Nor did he physically hurt anyone at the World Cup in Russia. So I want to clarify: I am not singling out an easy target – we need characters in the game.

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• Dutch expose USWNT’s vulnerabilities in 1-1 draw
• Australia forced to start World Cup campaign without Sam Kerr

Yet as a sporting emissary, his blatant racism, excessive indulgence and aggressive demeanour are inappropriate: to put it seriously mildly.

Someone with decorum, one who conducts politely prospective executive clients and partners’ engagements slightly more befitting may suffice.

More importantly and aside from his incredible football talent: I hope Maradona finally becomes a role model for children. Some celebrities are slightly excused if their craft is of an adult rating, like action movies.

Football, or the World Cup specifically, has a universal rating. Yet he is a contradictory figure: he helps charities, held mild political views and advocated liberalism.

I’ll leave you with a telling Diego Armando Maradona quote:

"“I am Maradona, who makes goals, who makes mistakes. I can take it all I have big shoulders – big enough to fight with everybody.” – Diego Maradona (Via: History Channel’s, Bring Me The Head of Diego Maradona)"