Diego Maradona death trial reopens with seven medical staff accused
The criminal trial concerning the death of football legend Diego Maradona has reopened in Argentina, according to a BBC report. The proceedings, which involve seven members of the medical team caring for Maradona at the time of his death in November 2020, had been annulled last year due to a judicial irregularity. A new panel of judges will now hear the case, which accuses the defendants of homicide with eventual intent.
The trial resumed on Monday, focusing on the care provided to Maradona at his rented home in the Buenos Aires suburb of Tigre. The prosecution alleges the seven medical professionals were fully aware of the former Argentina captain's deteriorating health but deliberately failed to provide necessary treatment. Technical reports cited by investigators suggest Maradona's life could have been saved had appropriate medical protocols been followed. If found guilty, the accused face potential prison sentences ranging from eight to 25 years.
Diego Maradona died on November 25, 2020, at the age of 60 from acute pulmonary edema. An autopsy later revealed he had suffered a heart attack. His death sent the football world and his home nation into mourning, prompting an immediate investigation into the circumstances surrounding his passing. The initial trial was annulled in 2025 after one of the three presiding judges allegedly authorized unauthorized video recordings for a documentary, a violation of judicial procedure.
The case has drawn intense international scrutiny, given Maradona's iconic status. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, leading Argentina to World Cup glory in 1986 and enjoying legendary club spells with Napoli and Barcelona. His later life was marked by well-documented struggles with addiction and health issues. The trial's outcome is seen as a pivotal moment for accountability in high-profile medical cases within Argentina.
The reopening of the trial ensures that the legal process surrounding one of sport's most tragic deaths continues. A verdict, which could take months to reach, will finally determine whether criminal responsibility lies with those entrusted with Maradona's care during his final days.
