Maradona Death Trial Verdict Set For December 22

Maradona Death Trial Verdict Set for December 22

An Argentine court has fixed December 22, 2026, for the delivery of its verdict in the trial over the 2020 death of football legend Diego Maradona, following six months of hearings into allegations of medical negligence. The decision was announced on Thursday by the court in San Isidro, near Buenos Aires, after the final submissions by the defence and emotional statements from members of Maradona’s family. Maradona’s daughter, Dalma, appealed for justice for her father, saying she hoped the court would deliver the justice he deserved. The former Argentina captain died on November 25, 2020, at the age of 60, from heart failure and pulmonary oedema while recovering at a rented residence following brain surgery. Seven healthcare professionals were initially tried over allegations that their actions or omissions contributed to his death. However, the court acquitted physician Pedro Di Spagna after prosecutors and the private accusers withdrew their allegations against him. The verdict will therefore concern the remaining six defendants, including Maradona’s personal doctor, Leopoldo Luque; psychiatrist Agustina Cosachov; psychologist Carlos Díaz; medical coordinator Nancy Forlini; nursing coordinator Mariano Perroni; and nurse Ricardo Almirón. Prosecutors have sought prison sentences for the defendants, arguing that failures in Maradona’s home-care arrangements contributed to his death. The prosecution requested a 12-year prison term for Luque, while other defendants face varying sentencing requests. The accused have denied criminal responsibility, with their lawyers disputing the claim that Maradona’s death was foreseeable or resulted from their clients’ conduct. Luque, the principal defendant, declared his innocence during the final hearing. The case has attracted widespread attention in Argentina, where Maradona remains a national sporting icon following his role in leading the country to victory at the 1986 FIFA World Cup. The trial has examined the medical care provided to the former footballer during his recovery at home, including the decisions made by those responsible for monitoring his health. The court said it needed additional time to examine the extensive evidence before reaching its decision. The verdict is scheduled to be delivered on December 22, 2026.