The Argentine Football Association could name a coach to replace Diego Maradona in the fall.
A statement Wednesday on the AFA website said no decision would be made until the body's annual assembly completes its meetings in October. The AFA announced last week it would not renew Maradona's contract, a move that came three weeks after Argentina lost to Germany in the World Cup quarterfinals.
Sergio Batista, who coached Argentina to the gold medal at the 2008 Olympics, has been named interim coach for a friendly on Aug. 11 at Ireland and another friendly on Sept. 7 against world champion Spain in Buenos Aires.
Several have been mentioned to replace Maradona, including Estudiantes coach Alejandro Sabella and Boca Juniors coach Claudio Borghi, and at least two coaches who are out of work: Diego Simeone and Carlos Bianchi.
The AFA also downplayed reports that Maradona might return.
Carlos Bilardo, the national team director, said Sunday the door might still be open to Maradona. When he was released, Maradona accused Bilardo of ''betrayal'' and AFA president Julio Grondona of ''lying'' to him.
Bilardo was appointed by the AFA to assist Maradona, who had little coaching experience. Bilardo was the coach of Argentina's World Cup-winning team in 1986 - led by Maradona - and coached the runner-up team in 1990.
''If Diego talks and wants to, I don't know what might happen,'' Bilardo said. ''It's all a question of talking. It's wait and see.''
Without mentioning Maradona, the AFA tried to squelch any hint he might return.
''Any names or rumors about people who could be under consideration are absolutely unrelated to the Argentine Football Association,'' the AFA said.
