BUENOS AIRES - Diego Maradona’s tenure as coach of Argentina ended Tuesday, when the Argentine Football Association announced his contract would not be renewed.

Maradona, 49, became Argentina’s manager in November of 2008. He was initially offered a four-year contract extension to lead Argentina through the 2014 FIFA World Cup, but only if removed his entire coaching staff.

The Argentina legend, who led the country to its last World Cup title in 1986, turned down the contract offer because he wanted to keep his entire staff. The AFA unanimously decided Tuesday not to renew Maradona’s contract.

Argentina almost failed to qualify for the FIFA World Cup, but the country was strong in the tournament in South Africa until losing 4-0 to Germany in the quarterfinals - Maradona’s last game.

Argentina plays Ireland in a friendly on Aug. 11, but the AFA did not announce who would coach the team for that match.