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EW YORK -- Diego Maradona was kicked out of the World Cup Thursday after a second drug test proved positive.
The 33-year-old Argentina soccer superstar, banned for 15 months in 1991 over the use of cocaine, tested positive for ephedrine, a common spray used for asthma, hay fever and nasal congestion but also a powerful stimulant.
Joseph Blatter, secretary general of FIFA, made the announcement of the suspension of soccer's most famous player at a news conference.
The announcement came minutes after Argentina pulled Maradona from the World Cup team for fear of further sanctions.
Talking from Dallas to Radio Mitre of Buenos Aires, Pablo Abbatangelo, the secretary of the Argentine Soccer Federation, said the decision was made even before hearing FIFA's decision "in order to avoid more serious sanctions."
Maradona, who led Argentina to a World Cup triumph in 1986, was making his fourth appearance in the tournament and was due to make a World Cup record 22nd appearance against Bulgaria Thursday. Ephedrine is a common nasal decongestant but acts on the body much like adrenalin, increasing blood pressure and heartbeat, and dilating the pupils of the eyes.
Maradona, in the midst of a spectacular World Cup comeback after cocaine almost wiped out his career, led Argentina to victories in its first two games, securing a spot in the second round. This is not the first time Maradona has flunked a drug test, although the others involved more sinister substances.
He was banned from April 6, 1991, to June 30, 1992, by FIFA after testing positive for cocaine. He was tested after a game on March 17, 1991, while he was with Napoli of the Italian League. The ban was worldwide.
He has come back strong after losing 26 pounds preparing for his fourth World Cup -- he led Argentina to the championship in 1986 and into the final game four years ago.
There was no earlier indication how FIFA might punish a player for failing a drug test. Sources, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said FIFA considered drug offenses "on a case-by-case basis."
Argentina would remain strong in the tournament, with or without Maradona, Grondono said.
"The team's continuity in the World Cup is not affected by this," Grondona told an Argentine radio station.
Two players have been banned by FIFA for positive drug tests at the World Cup.
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