Football legend Maradona death trial reopens in Argentina, seven medics on stand again

The long-running legal battle over the death of football icon Diego Maradona has returned to court in Argentina, with a fresh trial beginning against seven healthcare professionals accused of negligence.

The proceedings resumed in Buenos Aires , nearly a year after the earlier trial collapsed when a judge stepped down following controversy linked to her involvement in a documentary about the case.

The case centres on allegations that Maradona’s medical team failed to provide adequate and timely care in the weeks leading up to his death in November 2020. The 60-year-old former football great died of cardiac arrest while recovering from brain surgery for a blood clot.

Prosecutors have charged the seven defendants with culpable homicide , a form of involuntary manslaughter. The charge argues that the accused were aware their actions, or lack of proper action, carried serious risk but failed to prevent the outcome. If convicted, they face prison sentences ranging from 8 to 25 years .

Among those on trial are Maradona’s former personal physician Leopoldo Luque, psychiatrist Agustina Cosachov, and psychologist Carlos Díaz. The defence maintains that Maradona suffered from multiple serious health conditions , arguing that no criminal negligence occurred.

The trial is expected to include testimony from nearly 100 witnesses , including family members, medical experts, police officials, and close associates of the football star. Hearings will be held twice a week, with a verdict likely in early June .

Maradona’s daughters, Dalma and Giannina, who are among the plaintiffs, continue to follow the case closely. Their lawyer said the family remains emotionally exhausted , describing the prolonged legal process as deeply painful and unresolved.

The earlier trial ended in a mistrial after one of the judges resigned amid criticism over her appearance in a documentary related to the case. The case was later reassigned to a new judicial panel.

A medical review panel appointed in 2021 had earlier concluded that Maradona received “inappropriate, deficient and reckless” care , alleging he was left unattended for hours before his death.

As the new trial unfolds, Argentina once again revisits the final days of one of football’s greatest legends, with the question of accountability still unresolved .