Buenos Aires, Jul 28: Argentine Football Association (AFA) sacked the controversial coach Diego Maradona following the national squad's devastating exit from World Cup 2010 in the quarterfinals against Germany.

Despite the public support that Maradona had garnered, the AFA voted unanimously to not renew Maradona's contract putting an end to his coaching career.

It was not only the public that had poured in support for Maradona but the President Cristina Fernandez had personally requested him to stay.

The media had speculated that Maradona will stay on as the coach based on his statement that he wished to stay as long as he was given the control over the choice of his assistants.

Now, with the news of his ouster hitting the headlines it is suspected that the AFA was not happy with the idea of given him the control he wanted.

Maradona, who had earned the reputation of being the world's best player in 1980s, began coaching in Nov 2008.This development in a way culminates the tumultous journey of the football legend over the years on the field as well as off the field - from the 'Hand of God' goal to the drug abuse along with the vibrant off-field action he brought to the FIFA World Cup 2010 in South Africa as well.

Now, AFA is on the look out for a new coach and the favorites are former Boca Juniors coach Carlos Bianchi, youth team coach Sergio Batista and Estudiantes coach Alex Sabella.

OneIndia News