Maradona says club being targeted by UAE league

Diego Maradona has accused United Arab Emirates soccer officials of targeting his club.

Maradona took over as Al Wasl coach in May and has been fined for criticizing a rival coach and his team has been banned from playing two matches at home due to fan trouble.

Maradona says "Al Wasl is being targeted with these excessive bans and punishments."

Maradona has had a running feud with critics and referees since he arrived last year. The Argentine soccer great intensified his complaints late Tuesday when he spoke for the first time about the $2,450 fine he was given by the UAE Football Association and the home match ban.

Al Wasl are in sixth place in the 12-team league, 11 points behind the leaders.