Diego Maradona has confessed that players from Argentina used performance-enhancing drugs before the 1993 World Cup qualifier against the Socceroos. 
During an interview on Argentine television, Maradona accused FIFA vice president Julio Grondona, who heads Argentina’s Football Association, of being aware of the doping practices.
“Why was there no anti-doping control during the match with Australia if we had them in all the other games?” Maradona questioned.
“They administer 10 anti-doping controls, yet in the crucial match for Argentina’s advancement to the U.S., there was none. That’s cheating, and Grondona was complicit.
“The reality is that before facing Australia, we were given a speedy coffee. They added something to the coffee, which is why we had increased stamina.”
Grondona has yet to respond to Maradona’s allegations.
Following a draw in Sydney, Argentina secured a 1-0 victory in the return leg in Buenos Aires, allowing them to qualify for the tournament in the United States, where Maradona was eventually expelled after a positive drug test.
The ongoing conflict between them began when Grondona chose not to renew Maradona’s contract as Argentina’s coach after the 2010 World Cup.
In response to remarks made by the 80-year-old Grondona last week, which seemed to subtly reference Maradona’s widely known drug issues, Maradona expressed his outrage.
After Maradona suggested that the AFA president should consider retirement, Grondona was quoted saying, “I’m old but healthy,” implying that others have created their own problems.
Maradona claimed that Grondona has always known about the drug use in football.
“We took what the doctor prescribed us,” Maradona stated.
“To qualify for the World Cup, we would have accepted even orange juice. I’m saying this now because Grondona pretends to be oblivious to drug use in football and the struggles I endured.”
He further implied that the Argentine government under President Cristina Fernandez is shielding Grondona due to a media deal with the AFA for broadcasting national league matches at no cost.
“I’m not asking the president to dismiss him; I’m advocating for change,” Maradona declared.
“Given all the outrageous actions by Grondona, whether due to his age or that his time has ended, if the government continues to support him, they are making a mistake.”
Argentine cabinet chief Anibal Fernandez dismissed the notion that Grondona enjoys any special protections.
by Buford Balony
