'Scathing' Maradona slams Blatter for plunging FIFA into crisis

Legendary Argentina footballer Diego Maradona has launched a blistering tirade on Sepp Blatter, accusing the embattled FIFA president of plunging the world football's governing body into an unprecedented crisis.

Maradona also had harsh words for Michel Platini, saying that the UEFA president's appointment as the football chief would be a farce in view of his close relation with Blatter.

Maradona claimed that both presidents pretend to be separated but added that they were in fact close with each other, Sport24 reported.

Platini is considered as the favourite to succeed the Swiss as FIFA president in February election.

The 1986 World Cup winner also claimed that the only thing Blatter could teach Platini was how to steal.

Meanwhile, Maradona backed Prince Ali of Jordan to win the election for FIFA presidency.

Blatter, who was re-elected for a fifth term in May as president, stood down from the position amidst an investigation into corruption charges.

FIFA's reputation has been severely tarnished after 14 sports marketing executives and football officials, including several from Zurich-based FIFA, were indicted by the United States in late May over corruption charges.