A retrial into the death of Diego Maradona has begun, reopening one of the most high profile legal cases in global sport. The proceedings come a year after the original trial was declared a mistrial, following the resignation of a judge linked to allegations of unauthorized filming inside the courtroom.
Seven members of Maradona’s medical team are facing charges of negligent homicide, accused of failing to provide adequate care during his recovery period. Prosecutors argue that the medical professionals were aware of the severity of his condition but did not take the necessary steps to prevent his death. All defendants have denied the allegations, maintaining that their actions were appropriate under the circumstances.
Maradona died in 2020 at his home in Tigre, in Buenos Aires province, while recovering from surgery to remove a brain blood clot. An autopsy later confirmed that he suffered a heart attack, with acute pulmonary edema identified as a key factor. Investigators classified the case as culpable homicide, a charge similar to involuntary manslaughter.
Medical experts involved in the investigation described the treatment provided as inadequate, suggesting that proper care in a medical facility could have improved his chances of survival. These findings have become central to the prosecution’s case as the retrial seeks to determine whether negligence played a decisive role.
If convicted, those charged could face prison sentences ranging from eight to 25 years. The case continues to draw global attention, not only because of Maradona’s legacy in football but also due to broader questions it raises about medical responsibility and patient care standards.
