Although several players had spoken up for him after a run to the quarterfinals of the World Cup, where Germany proved too strong, the AFA decided it was time to give the job to someone else.

Maradona had said earlier in the week that he hoped to continue in his role but only on condition he could keep his backroom staff, including faithful assistant Alejandro Mancuso.

Media reports suggested that Grondona had vetoed that wish.

During his tenure, Maradona called up over 100 players. The 23- man World Cup squad he announced in May excluded veteran defender Javier Zanetti and midfielder Esteban Cambiasso, who both play for Champions League winner Inter Milan.

In a shock move, he picked Ariel Garce in his squad despite the defender only playing his first international for Argentina in May against Haiti.

He was banned from all football activity for two months after crudely insulting journalists in the aftermath of the win over Uruguay last October that secured Argentina's place at the World Cup.

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