Fifa reaches out to Maradona

2005-10-05 11:57

Montevideo, Uruguay - Fifa has invited Argentine soccer hero Diego Maradona to December's draw for the 2006 World Cup in Germany, the organisation's president Sepp Blatter said on Tuesday.

Blatter also said he applauded Maradona's latest strides in trying to overcome cocaine addiction.

"We have invited Maradona to take part in the draw for Germany," Blatter said at the conclusion to a two-day visit to Uruguay, where he took part in 75th anniversary ceremonies commemorating the first World Cup.

Blatter said Brazilian World Cup hero Pele had committed to attending the draw and Fifa would await Maradona's answer on whether he also would attend.

Maradona, 45, has discussed his struggle against drug addiction on his weekly television show and, after having stomach bypass surgery in Colombia, also has become noticeably slimmer while making public appearances at home and abroad promoting soccer and charity causes.

In August, Pele was a guest on Maradona's show as the two soccer greats headed a ball, sang songs and hugged each other.

Maradona earned his greatest fame leading Argentina to the 1986 World Cup title, where he scored the "Hand of God" goal, punching the ball into the net to beat England in the quarter-finals in one of the most notorious moments in tournament history.

- AP