A homicide trial is set to begin on Tuesday in Buenos Aires for seven medical professionals who treated Argentine football icon Diego Maradona prior to his death.
The individuals—among them Maradona’s neurosurgeon, psychiatrist, and several nurses—are facing charges of alleged medical negligence in the events leading to the legendary player’s passing in 2020.
Prosecutors argue that their failure to provide adequate care contributed to Maradona’s death and that it could have been prevented.
Maradona died of a heart attack in November 2020, just two weeks after being discharged from the hospital where he underwent surgery for a brain hemorrhage. His family claims his medical team not only failed in their duties but also engaged in a cover-up, referring to the group as a “mafia.”
Throughout his life, Maradona battled addiction to drugs and alcohol, as well as obesity, with near-death experiences recorded in both 2000 and 2004.
Despite these long-standing health issues, investigators believe his final collapse could have been avoided with proper medical oversight.
Seven of the eight charged professionals are now facing trial for what is considered “culpable homicide” under Argentine law, similar to involuntary manslaughter. While all defendants maintain their innocence, they could face prison sentences of up to 25 years if convicted.
Dalma Maradona, the late footballer’s eldest daughter, has been vocal about her suspicions regarding her father’s care.
In a recent interview on the Angel Responde show on Bondi Live, she revealed audio evidence that she claims exposes serious lapses in medical attention. She also expressed concern for her mother’s safety, citing fear of those she believes are behind a broader conspiracy.
“My mother is terrified,” she said. “She fears those with power and influence—what she calls a mafia. But I refuse to be silent. People deserve to know the truth. She begs me not to speak, but I can’t stay quiet. I owe it to my father.”
Dalma had previously alleged that a “mafia of assassins” was responsible for her father’s death.
According to Argentine media outlet Diario Registrado, she believes recordings exist that reveal conversations about negligence and attempts to conceal medical failures.
Diego Maradona, who led Argentina to World Cup glory in 1986, remains one of the sport’s most iconic figures—remembered for his brilliance on the pitch, including the infamous ‘Hand of God’ goal and his remarkable ‘Goal of the Century’ against England in the same tournament.