BBC admit Maradona documentary payment

The BBC has admitted it paid Diego Maradona for appearing in a documentary.

A spokesman confirmed speculation that the footballer received money for his work on the show hosted by Gary Lineker.

The corporation has not revealed the amount it gave him however, refusing to confirm or deny the £50,000 figure carried by the Daily Express.

Shadow culture secretary Hugo Swire MP is unhappy with the news. "At a time when the BBC is asking for an above inflation increase in the licence fee which will hit the old and infirm hard, it is vital that it spends the licence fee payers' money carefully," he complained in a statement.

It should not chase "sensationalist and populist stories," he continued. "We will be writing to the BBC to seek an explanation."

To be shown prior to the World Cup this summer, the show will feature Lineker meeting the Argentinean, his opponent in the 1986 quarter final.