Maradona’s medical team is being tried again for negligence in his death

The seven healthcare professionals accused of negligence in the death of football great Diego Maradona will face a new trial from March, the San Isidro court on the outskirts of Buenos Aires announced on Wednesday.

Last May, an Argentine court declared a mistrial after Julieta Makintach, one of the three judges who oversaw the trial, resigned amid criticism of her participation in a documentary about the case.

Makintach will be tried from Thursday in the city of La Plata, the capital of Buenos Aires province, for misconduct in office, which could lead to her removal from office.

The negligence lawsuit accuses Maradona’s medical team of failing to provide adequate care in the weeks leading up to his death nearly five years ago at a home outside Buenos Aires. Maradona died of cardiac arrest at the age of 60 while recovering from surgery for a blood clot in the brain.

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The defendants, who deny all charges, were charged with culpable homicide, a crime similar to involuntary manslaughter in that it implies that the defendants were aware of and ignored the risk posed by their alleged reckless behavior.

They include Leopoldo Luque, Maradona’s general practitioner at the time of his death, as well as his psychologist, psychiatrist, medical coordinator and nurses.

This crime carries a maximum penalty of 25 years in prison.

Maradona, who famously led Argentina to victory at the 1986 World Cup, is considered one of the greatest footballers of all time. His rags to riches story resonated with his fellow Argentines and he is widely revered as a national hero.

Published on November 6, 2025