The long and controversial legal battle over the death of Argentine football icon Diego Maradona is set to begin anew, as a fresh trial has been scheduled in the suburb of San Isidro, just outside Buenos Aires. The case will examine whether medical negligence played a role in the 2020 death of the beloved sports legend.
According to local media reports, the San Isidro Seventh Criminal Court has been selected to preside over the new trial, following the annulment of the initial proceedings. The decision comes after the former judge in charge was embroiled in a scandal for secretly filming an unauthorised documentary about the trial while still actively overseeing the case.
Seven Medical Professionals Face Manslaughter Charges
Seven medical staff, including doctors, nurses, and therapists, stand accused of criminal negligence that allegedly contributed to Maradona’s death. The new trial will be presided over by Judges Mónica Lago and Fabián Aoutolani. Though a new date has yet to be set, many within Argentina’s judicial system believe the case may be postponed until 2026.
Prosecutors argue that the care Maradona received following his brain surgery in early November 2020 was substandard. He died just weeks later, on November 2,5 from heart failure at the age of 60. A forensic medical panel previously concluded that the soccer star had been “abandoned to his fate” by the team responsible for his recovery, noting that appropriate medical intervention could likely have prevented his death.
Trial Delayed by Judicial Misconduct
The initial trial, which began in late 2023, was invalidated in May 2025 after shocking revelations that the presiding judge, Olga Marquinez Tagle, had been involved in the filming of a documentary about the case, all while continuing to oversee the proceedings. The documentary was unauthorised, and her involvement was not disclosed to the court or the parties involved.
As a result, the judge was removed from the case and is currently facing a separate impeachment process. The scandal has sparked concerns over judicial ethics and fairness in high-profile cases, leading to a complete restart of the trial under a new panel of judges.
Timeline Uncertain, Justice Still Pending
While the legal framework allows for the new trial to begin soon, insiders say logistical constraints and anticipated defence strategies may cause delays. With court calendars already crowded and defence teams likely to file motions to stall proceedings, it’s increasingly expected the trial may not resume until sometime in 2026.
Diego Maradona remains a national treasure in Argentina, not just for his historic 1986 World Cup performance, but also for his larger-than-life persona both on and off the pitch. His death sent shockwaves across the world, and the legal questions surrounding his final days have only deepened the sense of loss and outrage among fans.
This renewed trial offers Argentina a second chance at delivering justice, not only for Maradona’s grieving family, but also for a country still mourning the loss of its most iconic sports figure. Whether it will bring closure or spark further controversy remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the world will be watching.
