Argentina FA voices support of Diego

BUENOS AIRES: Diego Maradona was "in a state of violent emotion" when he made lewd remarks at journalists after Argentina qualified for the World Cup finals, the Argentine Football Association's (AFA) lawyer said on Wednesday.

FIFA opened an investigation into Maradona's outburst at the globally broadcast news conference after his team beat Uruguay 3-0 in Montevideo on Oct 14 to secure their place at the 2010 finals in South Africa.

Maradona could be fined and banned for at least five matches, according to the FIFA disciplinary code, which could affect his hopes of being in charge of Argentina at the finals.