—- Former FIFA president Joao Havelange of Brazil tried to hide the famous doping case involving Argentine Diego Maradona during the 1994 World Cup, which was held in the United States, according to Joseph Blatter, the former FIFA president who is currently banned for corruption cases.

In an interview with American journalist Keir Radnedge, Blatter stated that the former president of the Argentine federation, Julio Grondona, insisted that the doping case be dealt with after the World Cup.

“Maradona tested positive for ephedrine and four other prohibited substances,” Blatter said. The former Argentine star claimed his innocence and that he had taken medication after a cold.

Maradona was found guilty of doping and immediately excluded from the World Cup. Blatter later claimed he was no longer the “silly little secretary general” and had to keep quiet about anything related to FIFA policy.

“I insisted on immediate action against Maradona,” the former president added.

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