Diego Maradona Death Case Back In Court After Judge Scandal

Last Updated:April 14, 2026, 09:20 IST

Diego Maradona death trial resumes after judge scandal, new court case probes if his medical team is responsible or if he passed away from natural causes.

Legendary footballer Diego Maradona’s death case is back in court after a scandal involving the judge of the first trial ensured that it didn’t go ahead.

On November 25, 2020, Maradona suffered a cardiac arrest and passed away in his sleep at his home in Dique Luján, Buenos Aires Province, Argentina.

An autopsy found no traces of alcohol or narcotic drugs in Maradona’s body at the time of his death, but revealed significant damage to his kidneys and liver. It also showed that his heart was almost twice the normal weight and was covered with fat deposits and blood clots.

Maradona’s seven-member medical team was indicted over the conditions of his convalescence in the northern Buenos Aires suburb of Tigre, which prosecutors described as negligent.

But two and a half months into the trial, after hours of often tearful testimony from witnesses, including Maradona’s children, the proceedings were brought to a halt.

The trial was annulled in May 2025 after it emerged that one of the presiding judges had taken part in a documentary about the case, in breach of judicial ethics rules.

The judge, Julieta Makintach, was later impeached. The new trial, which is expected to hear testimony from around 120 witnesses, will once again seek to determine whether Maradona’s medical team bears responsibility for his death.

Seven healthcare professionals, including doctors, psychologists and nurses who were treating Maradona at the time of his death, have been charged with homicide with possible intent, accused of pursuing a course of action despite knowing it could lead to his death.

If convicted, they face prison sentences ranging from eight to 25 years. The defence, however, argues that Maradona, who struggled with cocaine and alcohol addiction, passed away from natural causes.

“If there is one thing that has been ruled out, it is a malicious criminal plan to kill Maradona. Anyone who continues to maintain that is cruel to the family and the accused," Vadim Mischanchuk, lawyer of psychiatrist Agustina Cosachov, said while speaking to Radio Con Vos.

The trial is expected to last until July.

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