An Argentine court on Thursday declared a mistrial in the case against seven medical professionals accused of negligence in the death of soccer icon Diego Maradona, marking a dramatic turn in a trial that has gripped the nation and the football world since it began in March 2025.
The mistrial was prompted by the resignation of Judge Julieta Makintach, who stepped down amid controversy over her participation in a documentary series titled Divine Justice, which chronicles the events following Maradona’s death and the ensuing legal proceedings. Prosecutors and defense attorneys raised concerns about her impartiality after footage surfaced showing Makintach allowing a film crew to record confidential court sessions, violating judicial ethics.
With Makintach’s departure, the remaining judges ruled that the entire trial must be restarted with a new panel of judges, though no date has been set for the retrial. Judge Maximiliano Savarino said Makintach’s actions compromised the fairness of the trial, stating, “The only person accountable is the recused judge.”
The decision was met with visible emotion from Maradona’s daughters, Gianinna and Dalma, who were present in court. The retrial’s timeline remains uncertain, casting doubt on the previously anticipated conclusion of the case by July 2025.
The case centers on allegations that Maradona’s medical team failed to provide adequate care in the weeks leading up to his death on November 25, 2020. Maradona, who led Argentina to the 1986 World Cup title, died at age 60 from cardiac arrest while recovering from brain surgery at his home near Buenos Aires. Prosecutors accuse the seven health professionals of negligent homicide, with potential prison sentences ranging from eight to 25 years.
The trial has attracted intense media attention, blending legal scrutiny with the dramatic and often turbulent life story of the football legend. Witnesses have testified that Maradona suffered for hours before his death, with family members accusing the medical staff of abandoning him in critical condition.
The court’s mistrial ruling resets the legal process, leaving the football community and Maradona’s supporters awaiting a new chapter in the pursuit of justice for the late sports icon.