Seven healthcare staff on trial again for negligence in Diego Maradona's death

Seven healthcare professionals accused of negligence in football icon Diego Maradona's death will face a new trial starting in March after a San Isidro court declared a mistrial when one of three judges stepped down over criticism about her participation in a documentary on the case.

The judge in question, Julieta Makintach, will stand a separate trial starting on Thursday in La Plata, the capital of the province of Buenos Aires, for misconduct in her duties, which could lead to her removal from office.

The negligence case 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.

One of football's most celebrated stars who led Argentina to the World Cup title in 1986, Maradona died in 2020 at age 60 from cardiac arrest while recovering from surgery for a blood clot on the brain.

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

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

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

Known for his diminutive stature and skilful and captivating playing style, Maradona inspired his compatriots with a rags-to-riches story that vaulted him from poverty in the hardscrabble outskirts of Buenos Aires to international adoration.

In Italy's southern city of Naples, he had endeared himself to the local fans of SSC Napoli, who venerate him as a saint to this day.

However, Maradona had publicly struggled with drug addiction, obesity and alcoholism for decades and reportedly came close to death in 2000 and 2004.