Almost a week has gone by since the beginning of the FIFA World Cup, and one of the main protagonists has been none other than Diego Maradona.
Unfortunately for FIFA execs, Maradona has stolen part of the show due to his antics off the pitch. "El Diez" has been involved in a number of controversies, which kicked off one day before the beginning of the competition.
His first controversial statement came after FIFA revealed that the U.S., Canada and Mexico will be hosting the 2026 World Cup. Maradona blasted the decision by saying that passion for the game will not have a role in that tournament, since the U.S. and Canada are not considered to have a tradition of competitive football.
His appearance at Argentina's opening match raised a few eyebrows, as some fans had some questions about why he kept rubbing his nose during one moment of the game.
#Rusia2018 #Maradona sufre desde la tribuna por el penal fallido https://t.co/8aOe9FkO9w pic.twitter.com/cixEKZQEHp
— Clarín (@clarincom) June 16, 2018
During that same game Maradona ignored no smoking rules inside the stadium.
Diego Maradona: Rule breaker. pic.twitter.com/n0Bz8cmzuZ
— Squawka News (@SquawkaNews) June 16, 2018
Then, an alleged racial gesture raised a few eyebrows.
Maradona not so cool now. Some South Korea fans just shouted "Diego" and he obliged with a smile, kiss and wave. Then pulled his eyes to the side in a clearly racist gesture. All of us who saw it are stunned.
— Jacqui Oatley (@JacquiOatley) June 16, 2018
Then, Maradona used his expertise to criticize Sergio Ramos while prasing Uruguay defender Diego Godín.
"'They told me the other day that Ramos was a crack. It's Godín who should be called a crack', signed by Diego Maradona in 'Hand by hand with El Diez'"
"A mí me dicen que Sergio Ramos es crack... Crack es Godín!!!". Firma: Diego Armando Maradona, en "De la mano del 10". pic.twitter.com/639JILbdyU
— VarskySports (@VarskySports) June 20, 2018
A recent video emerged today showing Maradona doing shots with some friends in a private jet. Surrounded by food, Maradona's reaction after doing his shot left something for all the world to see: a bag with some white powder in it. Is Maradona back in the habit? Have a look at the video and you be the judge...
Diego Maradona is one crazy guy...
— The Sportsman (@TheSportsman) June 19, 2018
(@adgotsuspended)#WorldCup pic.twitter.com/ZdbDYSvRhp