Maradona - refused entry initially (Allsport)
JAPAN TO SOFTEN MARADONA STANCE
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The Japanese government will allow former
Argentina football star Diego Maradona into their country after all, according
to press reports.
They say Justice Secretary Mayumi Moriyama has ruled that Maradona can have a
tourist visa to see the World Cup,
Japan, co-hosts of the World Cup with South Korea, rejected an earlier
application by the controversial superstar to visit for the duration of the
tournament.
Although booked as a television commentator for Argentina's Cup games, he was
told that under Japanese law he could not have a visa because of a drug
conviction.
Maradona, now 41, was banned for 15 months in 1991 by the Italian Football
Federation after testing positive for an illegal substance.
It was not the first time the Japanese had refused him a visa - in 2000 he
unsuccessfully applied for one to see the final of the Intercontinental Cup in
which Argentina's BOCA Juniors beat Real Madrid.
The Japanese government reportedly changed their mind this time after
considering "special conditions" and an official request on Meridian's behalf
by the Argentine government.
He is expected to arrive in Tokyo on Monday in plenty of time to see
Argentina's final Group F match against Sweden in Myiagi.
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