A new trial has commenced in Argentina over the death of football legend Diego Maradona, nearly a year after the initial proceedings were annulled following a judicial scandal.
Maradona, widely regarded as one of football’s greatest players, died in November 2020 at the age of 60 while recovering from surgery for a brain clot. Forensic reports concluded he died of heart failure and acute pulmonary edema—a condition linked to fluid accumulation in the lungs—after what prosecutors describe as prolonged suffering during home care.
Seven members of his medical team, including doctors, nurses, and a psychologist, are standing trial over allegations of gross negligence. Prosecutors argue that decisions made during his recovery contributed to his death, with charges classified as homicide with possible intent. If found guilty, the defendants face prison sentences ranging from eight to 25 years.
The earlier trial collapsed after controversy surrounding Judge Julieta Makintach, who was found to have participated in an unauthorised documentary about the case that included secret courtroom recordings. The revelations led to the annulment of the proceedings.
The retrial is taking place in San Isidro and is expected to hear testimony from about 120 witnesses. Maradona’s daughters—Dalma, Gianinna, and Jana—were present at the opening session, alongside his former partner, Verónica Ojeda.
During proceedings, defence lawyer Francisco Oneto called for full public access to the trial, urging that hearings be broadcast in their entirety rather than limited to select segments.
The defence team has denied any wrongdoing, maintaining that Maradona died of natural causes. Vadim Mischanchuk, representing psychiatrist Agustina Cosachov, dismissed claims of a deliberate act.
“If there’s one thing that has been ruled out, it’s a malicious criminal plan to kill Maradona,” he said.
The trial is expected to run until at least July, as the court examines whether medical decisions in Maradona’s final days played a role in his death.
His passing in 2020 sparked nationwide mourning in Argentina, with thousands of fans queuing to pay their respects as his body lay in state at the presidential palace during the COVID-19 pandemic.