The medical team responsible for the care of legendary footballer Diego Maradona returned to court in Argentina on Tuesday, facing renewed allegations of gross negligence in connection with his death. Prosecutors described the group as a “bunch of amateurs” who failed to act on opportunities that might have saved Maradona’s life during his recovery from brain surgery.
Maradona, widely regarded as one of the greatest players in football history, died in November 2020 at the age of 60, succumbing to heart failure and acute pulmonary edema two weeks after undergoing surgery for a brain clot. The seven-member medical team—comprising doctors, psychologists, and nurses—is accused of homicide with possible intent, accused of continuing a course of treatment despite knowing the associated risks.
Prosecutor Patricio Ferrari, opening the new proceedings at the San Isidro courtroom in northern Buenos Aires, asserted that Maradona’s care was marked by “all kinds of omissions” and “cruel” conditions. He emphasized, “Diego Maradona began to die 12 hours before his actual death. Anyone who thought to transfer him to a clinic in a car or ambulance during his last week would have saved his life.”
The first trial was annulled last year after revelations that a judge had participated in a clandestine documentary about the case, casting the validity of the process into doubt. The new trial is expected to run until at least July, with approximately 120 witnesses slated to testify.
In the packed courtroom, Maradona’s daughters—Dalma, Gianinna, and Jana—alongside his former partner, Veronica Ojeda, were present to witness the proceedings. Ojeda expressed hope in the judicial process, stating, “That’s what we all need: justice for Diego. We want to live in peace and for Diego to rest in peace.”
Outside, supporters holding Argentine flags and signs called for justice for “D10s”—a tribute to Maradona’s iconic number 10 jersey and the Spanish word for God, “dios.”
The core of the prosecution’s argument centers on the decision to allow Maradona to convalesce at home rather than in a hospital, a move they allege contributed to his death. If convicted, the defendants face prison sentences ranging from eight to 25 years.
Fernando Burlando, representing Dalma and Gianinna Maradona, highlighted the alleged negligence by displaying a stethoscope in court, noting that the instrument “was never placed on Maradona’s chest between November 11 and 25,” the critical two weeks prior to his passing.
The defense, meanwhile, maintains that Maradona’s death resulted from a natural and irreversible decline in health, exacerbated by his long-standing struggles with substance abuse. Vadim Mischanchuk, lawyer for psychiatrist Agustina Cosachov, stated, “The defense will prove that, unfortunately, Mr. Maradona’s death is due to a progressive decline in his health that at a certain point reached its limit.”
Maradona’s passing, amid the Covid-19 pandemic, sent Argentina into mourning. Tens of thousands queued to pay their final respects as his body lay in state at the presidential palace, underscoring the profound impact and legacy of the beloved football icon.
