Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, March 30, 1991 TAG: 9103300224
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B2 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: From Associated Press reports
DATELINE: LENGTH: Short
The startling announcement by the Italian Soccer Federation came less than a year after the moody forward led Argentina to its second consecutive World Cup final and Napoli to its second Italian League championship.
The length of the suspension will be decided by the disciplinary commission of the Italian League, which is expected to meet next week. Italian soccer regulations call for a minimum suspension of six months and a maximum of two years.
The ban automatically will be extended worldwide by the International Federation of Association Football, making the 30-year-old Maradona ineligible to play for Argentina in this summer's America Cup, the South American championship.
Napoli reported Thursday that Maradona had tested positive following its 1-0 victory over Bari on March 17. A second test was conducted Friday and the Italian federation immediately made the announcement.
Since the 5-foot-7 Maradona first hit the soccer scene as a wunderkind, he has had a worldwide following unmatched in sports. When he took Argentina to the 1986 World Cup title and led the tournament in scoring, it certified his position as the best player of the '80s.
by CNB