Diego Maradona has been a constant presence in Argentina’s corner in the ongoing FIFA World Cup 2018 in Russia.

In Argentina’s last group game, Maradona drew attention with his antics in the stands, lapping up adulation from fans, unveiling a poster of himself and seemingly falling asleep at one point. Then, after Marcos Rojo’s 86th-minute winner secured Argentina’s place in the last 16, he made a middle-finger gesture with both hands, reports indiatoday.in.

FIFA though on Friday, said that even Maradona must show respect to other fans at World Cup stadiums.

Asked about complaints that the 57-year-old had made an obscene gesture at other spectators after Argentina snatched a late win on Wednesday, FIFA’s World Cup chief executive Colin Smith told reporters that the former Argentine player was a valued part of its Legends programme to promote the game.

‘The players who helped write the history of football have a part to play,’ Smith said. ‘Diego Maradona, obviously one of the greatest footballers who ever lived, is a part of that.’

‘We expect all players, former players, staff, fans and everyone to behave in a respectful manner, but having stars like Diego, (Carles) Puyol, (Javier) Zanetti, who have built up the fabric of football, and having them working with us on our goals is part of a much bigger picture,’ he added.

But, saying FIFA was aware of incidents such as that during Argentina’s vital group game against Nigeria.

Maradona was taken to the hospital after he collapsed following the match. He was first treated by paramedics in the stadium before he was taken to the hospital at St. Petersburg.

Maradona though came out and clarified that he was fine. He even laid rest to rumours that he was under the influence of drugs during the match.

‘Where we were, they were only serving white wine. Yes, we drank all the wine, but now I’m talking to you and I’m telling you the truth,’ he told a close friend via a WhatsApp recording, according to the Daily Express.

‘At the end of the first half, we went to eat. I like red wine and there was white wine. Each to his own.

‘I swear on the lives of my mum, my grandson Benjamin and my son Dieguito Fernando’s life that nothing happened.’