Speaking to the press today, Gabriel Batistuta has denied the reports saying that he’s running for Governor of Santa Fe, Argentina in 2011, he said he won’t be able to do it, the job requires someone who is qualified and he is not. He added that he would do anything to support Argentina, a place where he has chosen to live in with his family and obtained success as a footbal player but he thinks there are many young, intelligent and honest citizens who are qualified to be the Governor of Santa Fe. He continued saying that he is honored and flattered by the thought and thankful that he is offered the opportunity but in his opinion he is not qualified take the role.

In other news, the AFA has decided not to renew Maradona’s contract as Argentina’s coach, however, there will be no imminent decision on who will be the new coach. The AFA stated: “Once the Annual Assembly is completed [in the month of October], a National Selection Committee will be convened.

The declaration means that current caretaker Sergio Batista will continue in charge until possibly the end of the year, with a new face entering in 2011 in preparation for next year’s Copa America.

Diego Maradona will reportedly remain as coach of Argentina’s national team, a decision he is expected to announce next week after meeting with Argentine Football Association president Julio Grondona. Argentina’s next friendly matches are against Ireland on August 11 in Dublin and Ukraine on October 12, venue has yet to be confirmed. They will also play 2010 World Cup champion Spain on September 7 in Buenos Aires at River Plate’s El Monumental stadium.

Tens of thousands of fans welcomed the Argentina team when they returned to Buenos Aires following their exit from the World Cup. Diego Maradona had hinted that he may leave but the fans made it clear that they want him to stay, chanting “Do not go, Diego”. One banner read: “May God let your enemies live long enough so they can stand up to applaud your successes.”

“I never expected people would react this way, but it’s a huge joy,” said Jonas Guttierez. “The fans gave us an incredible amount of support. We are very angry because we wanted to stay in the competition for them, but could not.” “Being managed by Maradona is a unique thing. I would like it if he were to continue, but it is his decision,” Guttierez added.

During the ‘welcome home’ party at the Argentininan FA Lionel Messi, Carlos Tevez and Mario Bolatti spoke privately with Maradona, trying to persuade him to stay on as manager.

Meanwhile a close associate of the AFA president, Julio Grondona, said it was up to Maradona if he stayed or went. “The ideal thing would be for him to see out his contract,” said Luis Segura, chairman of Argentinos Juniors. Segura said none of Maradona’s predecessors had been sacked. “The AFA has never cut a contract short and if Diego decides to carry on, he will carry on.” Videos and more reports here

Argentina lost their quarterfinal yet again to Germany and Diego Maradona’s future as Argentina coach is unclear after the team’s devastating 4-0 loss to Germany. “I may leave tomorrow, but I’d like that these boys continue showing who they are and keep playing real Argentina football,” Maradona said, looking tired and heartbroken after the match in Cape Town.

Asked to clarify his plans for the future, he said “I’ll have to think carefully about it and talk with my family, and the players. There are many issues here. I’m as disappointed as all Argentines, to see my country lose a football match is very hard for someone who has worn the shirt.”

“Now is not the time to make these decisions,” Gabriel Heinze said. “Surely it would be better to wait until the emotion has cooled. Maradona has worked very well and it would be great for him to continue. I will defend the selection and I will defend this group,” Heinze said. “We can take some positive things from our performances in South Africa. But as always results are the most important thing and we screwed up.”

“We did not fulfil the expectations of many people,” said Messi. “I feel really terrible, and I just want to go home. We played a terrible game [against Germany] and we will have to start again. Thank you for all your support.” Match reports, video highlights and photos here

Preview of Argentina vs Germany match plus today’s headlines. Lionel Messi missed Argentina’s training yesterday because of a cold but has recovered and should be fit to start. On how he would play against Germany, Maradona said, “It would be a sin to change now. I am not going to play 4-4-2.” He also announced that Demechelis will start but is unsure who will partner him in the crucial area of central defence saying, “Samuel or Burdisso? We are still analysing all the options.” More previews and headlines here.

Meanwhile, Batistuta is now back in Argentina, speaking to Ole newspaper he said Maradona is doing a fantastic job, it will be a tough match against Germany.

none