Diego Maradona has hit out at the decision to omit River Plate goalkeeper German Lux from Argentina's World Cup squad.

National coach Jose Pekerman opted to take Roberto Abbondanzieri, Oscar Ustari and Leo Franco to Germany ahead of Lux.

The selection shocked many people in Argentina, including the country's greatest ever player.

"There was a black hand in the final decision. It is serious," raged Maradona.

"It is impossible that German Lux was released. He was fighting to be Argentina's World Cup goalkeeper and he ended as the fourth choice.

"I am with Lux until the death. It is unjust for a player who has had a football career like he has.

"It is the coach who decides the players who will travel to Germany and so Pekerman is the one who has put himself at risk.

"Whether his decision is right will depend on the results that the team obtain in the World Cup."