Maradona: "FIFA and ref gave Brazil licence to kick"

Argentinian legend Diego Maradona continued his recent flurry of attacks on FIFA, this time lashing out at Spanish referee Carlos Velasco Carballo for his performance in Brazil's 2-1 quarter-final victory over Colombia. Speaking on the programme 'De Zurda', broadcast by 'teleSUR', Maradona linked the officiating with a supposed FIFA conspiracy to ensure the hosts went through.

"I think they picked the right referee for the occasion, when Colombia looked like they had a better chance than ever of beating Brazil", noted the Argentine, whose press credentials have been withdrawn by FIFA following his recent outbursts. Maradona in particular called out David Luiz, claiming the Brazil defender "systematically tried to kick James Rodríguez off the pitch but wasn't so much as booked".

"It was the worst refereeing performance I've seen in 10 years", the ex-Boca, Barcelona and Napoli ace stressed, claiming the officials "let Julio César and Hulk off the hook" as both "should have been sent off". Nevertheless, Maradona didn't go so far as to "take credit away from Brazil" for their win, simply stating that FIFA and its "boss", Sepp Blatter, were determined that the hosts "had to advance". Lastly, the Argentine predicted that Brazil would have a "very tough time" beating Germany in the semi-finals.