Argentina's doctor says the players can have sex with their regular partners during the monthlong World Cup in South Africa.

Speaking on Argentine radio, Dr Donato Vallani said sex was a part of life.

He didn't give any other specific instructions except that the Argentines keep a regular sleep schedule.

He also said the players could eat Argentina's specialty - barbecued beef - with a glass of wine. He said excess drinking was, of course, prohibited.

"The players can have sex with their wives and girlfriends during the World Cup," Vallani said on Radio Del Plata. "Players are not Martians.

"But it should not be at 2am with Champagne and Havana cigars," he added.

Argentina travels on Friday to South Africa and plays its World Cup opener on June 12 against Nigeria. It also has Group B matches with South Korea and Greece.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP