No Hair Peace For Real Madrid's Fernando Redondo

Real Madrid's Fernando Redondo is one of Argentina's most talented midfielders, but it doesn't appear he will play for his country in the World Cup. It's not because of injury or diminishing skills, but because he won't get a haircut.

Coach Daniel Passarella, a former player and strict disciplinarian, has warned everyone that long hair is not acceptable.

Redondo, 28, apparently cares more about his appearance than his international career, saying this week:

"It looks like I will be watching the World Cup from my armchair. . . . Perhaps in five or 10 years I will regret this, but there are certain things that I will not compromise."

Passarella, perhaps fearing a lack of goals in the World Cup, appears to have made an exception for Argentina's all-time leading scorer, Gabriel Batistuta, who has returned to the squad after a long absence.