New Trial Over Diego Maradona’s Death Resumes in Argentina Against Seven Health Care Professionals
BUENOS AIRES, Argentina — A new trial against seven health care professionals accused of negligence in the death of soccer legend Diego Maradona resumed Tuesday in Argentina, nearly a year after the original proceedings collapsed when a presiding judge stepped down following controversy over her appearance in a documentary about the case.
The trial, held in San Isidro, Argentina, centers on allegations that the seven defendants failed to provide adequate care to Maradona in the weeks leading up to his death on November 25, 2020. Maradona, widely regarded as one of the greatest soccer players in history, died at age 60 from cardiac arrest while recovering at a home outside Buenos Aires after undergoing surgery for a subdural hematoma — a blood clot on the brain.
Charges and Key Defendants
The seven defendants face charges of culpable homicide, a legal concept similar to involuntary manslaughter under Argentine law. The charge alleges that the accused were aware their reckless conduct posed a risk to Maradona’s life and failed to take steps to prevent harm. If convicted, the defendants face prison sentences ranging from eight to 25 years.
Among those standing trial are Dr. Leopoldo Luque, who served as Maradona’s personal physician during the final years of his life, psychiatrist Agustina Cosachov, and psychologist Carlos Díaz.
Prosecutor Patricio Ferrari opened the renewed proceedings with sharp words for the defense. “Maradona was abandoned to his fate, condemned to death,” Ferrari said, adding that evidence presented to the judges “will see that the defendants were a group of ill-prepared professionals” who “did nothing to prevent Maradona from dying.”
A 20-member medical panel appointed to investigate Maradona’s death released a report in 2021 accusing the medical team of acting in an “inappropriate, deficient and reckless manner,” leaving Maradona in agony and without help for more than 12 hours before his death.
Defense Argues Deteriorating Health, Not Criminal Negligence
Defense attorneys pushed back firmly, arguing that Maradona suffered from multiple serious medical conditions, in part due to years of drug and alcohol consumption, and that no crime was committed. Maradona had reportedly come close to death in 2000 and again in 2004.
“Beyond the factual, medical and scientific issues, there is also a matter arising from the autopsy,” said Vadim Mischanchuk, attorney for defendant Cosachov. “The defense will prove that, unfortunately, Mr. Maradona’s death was the result of a progressive deterioration of his health that at one point simply gave out.”
Fernando Burlando, attorney for Maradona’s two eldest daughters and plaintiffs in the case — Dalma and Giannina Maradona — countered that justice is long overdue. “Diego was murdered,” Burlando said Tuesday, claiming the defendants “pushed him toward death” and that “Diego had thousands of chances to live.”
Both daughters were present on the first day of the retrial. Veronica Ojeda, a former partner of the late soccer star, also attended.
Maradona was initially admitted to a clinic in La Plata in early November 2020, suffering from anemia and dehydration. He was later transferred to Clinica Olivos, where he underwent the brain surgery. After being discharged on November 11, he moved to a private home outside Buenos Aires where he remained under medical supervision until his death two weeks later.
Trial Collapsed Last Year Over Judge’s Documentary Appearance
The original trial ended in a mistrial last May after judge Julieta Makintach stepped down amid criticism over her participation in a documentary titled “Divine Justice,” which covered the aftermath of Maradona’s death and the emergence of early allegations of foul play. Prosecutors presented footage showing Makintach featured prominently in the production, raising serious questions about judicial impartiality.
“I present my resignation with serenity, without renouncing the right to exercise my defense in the appropriate arenas,” Makintach wrote in a letter sent to judicial authorities in June.
The retrial is now presided over by judges Alberto Gaig, Alberto Ortolani, and Pablo Rolón. Hearings are scheduled twice weekly, on Tuesdays and Thursdays, with nearly 100 witnesses expected to testify, including family members, medical professionals, and law enforcement officers.
What Comes Next
The three-judge panel is expected to deliver a verdict in early June 2026. The outcome will close a legal chapter that has gripped Argentina and the global soccer community since Maradona’s death more than five years ago. With the retrial now formally underway, the case will continue to draw international attention in the weeks ahead. For broader coverage of courts and legal matters across Idaho and the region, visit Idaho News and the Idaho News Network.