Seven members of the medical team that treated football legend Diego Maradona before his death will face trial for homicide starting Tuesday in Buenos Aires. They are accused of negligence in the death of the World Cup winner, who died in November 2020 following a fatal heart attack just two weeks after being released from the hospital following brain surgery.
Maradona’s family has alleged that the medical team was negligent, attempted a cover-up, and made derogatory comments about his care, referring to the team as a “mafia.” Despite Maradona’s long history of drug addiction, obesity, and alcoholism, prosecutors believe that his death could have been prevented had it not been for the team’s alleged negligence.
The medical professionals facing charges include Maradona’s brain surgeon, psychiatrist, and nurses. They deny any wrongdoing, but if convicted, they could face up to 25 years in prison for culpable homicide, a charge similar to involuntary manslaughter.
Dalma Maradona, the legendary footballer’s eldest daughter, has shared an audio recording that she claims proves serious irregularities in her father’s care. She also revealed that her mother fears the powerful “mafia” behind her father’s medical treatment. “My mother is worried because she is afraid,” Dalma said. “Afraid of the mafia, of those who control everything, have money and power. But I can’t remain silent. We need people to know the truth.”
Dalma previously accused a “mafia of assassins” of causing her father’s death, and has claimed that recordings exist showing conversations about cover-ups and medical neglect. Maradona, who won the World Cup with Argentina in 1986, remains a football icon, known for his famous “Hand of God” goal and his “Goal of the Century” against England.