A new trial begins over Maradona's death

A new trial will begin today, Tuesday, regarding the circumstances of the death of Argentine football legend Diego Maradona, a year after a scandal that affected one of the judges and led to the collapse of the first trial.

Maradona, considered one of the greatest players in the history of the game, died in November 2020 at the age of 60, while recovering from brain surgery in a private home.

His death occurred as a result of heart failure and acute pulmonary crisis, a condition in which fluid accumulates inside the lungs, two weeks after surgery.

The prosecution brought charges against the seven-person medical team supervising his treatment during his recovery period in the Tigre suburb north of Buenos Aires, against the backdrop of conditions described as “gross negligence.”

However, the trial was halted two and a half months after it began, and after hours of moving testimony, some of which was marked by tears, given by witnesses, including Maradona’s sons.

The trial was canceled in May 2025, after it became clear that one of the female judges supervising it was participating in a documentary about the case, which was considered a possible violation of ethics rules.

Judge Julietta McIntash has stepped down and at the same time faces criminal proceedings for her behaviour.

The new trial, which is scheduled to hear from about 120 witnesses, will again seek to determine whether Maradona's medical team was responsible for his death.

Seven health sector workers, including doctors, psychologists and nurses who were supervising his treatment at the time, are accused of committing murder with the possibility of being convicted of “possible intentional homicide,” that is, continuing a treatment approach with the knowledge that it may lead to death.

If convicted, the defendants face prison sentences ranging from eight to 25 years.

On the other hand, the defense team asserts that Maradona, who lived a tumultuous life and suffered from addiction and alcohol, died of natural causes.