FA disciplinary body yet to decide on Maradona

A spokesman has denied reports that Maradona had been given a three-match touchline ban and a Dh10,000 fine.

The Football Association's disciplinary committee will decide on Monday whether Diego Maradona and Cosmin Olaroiu, the coaches of Al Wasl and Al Ain, are to face punishment for their spat after the Dubai club's 2-0 defeat in the Pro League last Friday.

Jaseb Majeed, the FA's spokesman, said there was no truth in a report released by some media outlets that Maradona had been given a three-match touchline ban, and a Dh10,000 fine.

"The disciplinary committee will meet on Monday and whatever news that has appeared in a section of the media is not true," he said. "Once a decision is made, the FA will make an official announcement."

Maradona, the Argentine legend, had called his Al Ain counterpart "rude" in a press conference before Friday's game.

It continued a row between the clubs that had started after Wasl's 1-0 defeat at Al Ain in the Etisalat Cup last month.

Maradona criticised Olaroiu's behaviour during that match, saying that "he should learn some manners".

The Dubai club also claimed Maradona was insulted by the home fans and that they threw objects at their players.

Al Ain denied the claims and said their supporters' chanting of Maradona's name repeatedly should not have been taken as an insult.

Olaroiu also said: "Who is Maradona as a coach? He should respect his work, and he should never come for the matches by wearing short pants."

However, no action was taken by the FA after the first incidents.

Asked why no action was taken at that time, Majeed said: "I can't comment on that matter because it is the decision of the discipline committee."

It is believed the disciplinary committee has decided to convene Monday's meeting after both Wasl and Al Ain lodged complaints after the league game.