ZURICH (AP)

FIFA has banned Argentina coach Diego Maradona from all football activities for two months for his expletive-filled rants aimed at journalists after his team qualified for the World Cup.

FIFA's disciplinary committee heard Maradona give evidence during a three-hour hearing yesterday before excluding him from football until January 15.

The 49-year-old coach will miss Argentina's friendly against the Czech Republic scheduled December 16. He also was fined 25,000 Swiss francs (US$24,250).

FIFA said Maradona apologised to the world football family during his 40-minute appearance before the panel, which had the authority to ban him from World Cup matches in South Africa next year.

"The committee took into consideration the apologies, and the sincere remorse shown by Maradona, in its decision," FIFA said in a statement.

The 1986 World Cup-winning captain launched his profane tirade at media critics after Argentina beat Uruguay 1-0 in their final qualifier last month in Montevideo.

FIFA President Sepp Blatter referred the outburst to the governing body's disciplinary panel, which opened a case and invited Maradona to explain his behavior.

Maradona's return is likely to be for a March 3 friendly against Germany in Munich.