A retrial concerning the death of football icon Diego Maradona is set to commence. Maradona, who passed away at 60 from heart failure, was allegedly not provided proper medical care by his team.
Seven individuals, including his main medical adviser Leopoldo Luque and psychiatrist Agustina Cosachov, are facing homicide charges. They deny the allegations, which carry a potential prison sentence of eight to 25 years if convicted.
Investigators classified the case as culpable homicide, asserting the accused were aware of Maradona's critical health condition but failed to take necessary life-saving measures. A panel of medical experts deemed the home treatment Maradona received as "deficient and reckless."
The trial will involve approximately 100 witnesses, including Maradona's daughters, and is expected to last until July.
Maradona, widely regarded as one of the greatest players in history, died in November 2020. The cause of death was heart failure, leading to acute pulmonary oedema. He had been recovering at home after surgery for a brain blood clot.
His career spanned multiple World Cups, and he achieved legendary status with iconic performances, including the "Hand of God" goal in 1986. He later struggled with addiction and managed several football teams before his death.