Argentina icon Diego Maradona has been urged by FIFA to behave in a respectful manner after hitting the headlines during the group stages.
The 1986 World Cup winner attracted widespread criticism for an offensive gesture during Argentina's 2-1 victory over Nigeria, which saw Jorge Sampaoli's side secure a round-of-16 clash with France.
Maradona also left the game early with a health scare following a number of exuberant appearances in the stands around Russia.
Maradona part of a bigger picture, says FIFA
FIFA has now commented on the situation by providing support for a player widely regarded to be one of the greatest ever, urged the 57-year-old - part of the FIFA Legends Program - to be respectful.
"Diego Maradona is obviously one of the greatest footballers that has ever lived and is a part of that [FIFA Legends Program]. We are aware of what you are referring to in terms of previous matches," FIFA's chief competitions and events officer Colin Smith said on Friday.
#OnThisDay in 1986, Argentina icon Diego Maradona lifted the World Cup!
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) June 29, 2018
Is he the best ever? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/kg7DnH7qyi
"We expect all players, former players, staff, fans and everyone to behave in a respectful manner, but having stars like Diego, [Carles] Puyol, [Javier] Zanetti, who have built up the fabric of football, and having them working with us on our goals is part of a much bigger picture."