Deigo Armando Maradona has been appointed as the new Coach of Argentina. He replaces Alfio Basile after Argentina suffered a surprise defeat to Chile in World Cup Qualifying. There were three other Coaches vying for the post; Carlos Bianchi, Miguel Angel Russo and Sergio Batista, but after a meeting with directors of the Argentina Football Association (AFA) and President Julio Grondona the decision was made.

“El Diez” will be contracted until the end of 2010 World Cup Qualifying, with an option to extend the contract based on performance in these qualifiers.