By David Young-
An Argentine criminal court has postponed the start of the highly anticipated trial concerning the death of football legend Diego Maradona(pictured). Originally scheduled to begin next month, the trial will now commence on an unspecified later date, according to court officials.
Maradona, who died on November 25, 2020, at the age of 60, suffered a heart attack just weeks after undergoing brain surgery. His sudden death shocked the world of sports and sparked allegations of medical negligence.
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The trial will scrutinize the actions of eight medical professionals, including Maradona’s personal doctor, Leopoldo Luque, and psychiatrist, Agustina Cosachov. They are accused of failing to provide adequate care to Maradona during his final days, with charges ranging from homicide to medical malpractice. If convicted, the defendants could face substantial prison sentences.
The court’s decision to defer the trial comes amid growing public and media interest. The delay is attributed to the need for additional time to review extensive evidence and testimonies, ensuring a comprehensive examination of the circumstances surrounding Maradona’s death.
Maradona’s daughters, Dalma and Gianinna, have been vocal about their dissatisfaction with the medical treatment their father received. They allege that the medical team’s negligence directly contributed to his untimely demise. Their statements have intensified public scrutiny and demand for justice in the case.
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The defendants, however, maintain their innocence, arguing that they did everything within their professional capacity to care for Maradona. Dr. Luque, in particular, has expressed confidence in his handling of Maradona’s treatment, asserting that he was a friend and a dedicated physician to the football star.
The trial is expected to involve a thorough review of medical records, testimonies from healthcare professionals, and expert opinions. The court aims to determine whether the accused medical team’s actions or inactions constituted criminal negligence.
Not long after the Argentinian court made its ruling, the French court across the ocean was making a separate ruling in relation to the late footballing legend.
The French court has ruled that the auction of Diego Maradona’s Golden Ball trophy, awarded for his outstanding performance in the 1986 World Cup, can proceed to an auction, despite efforts by his heirs to halt the sale. The ruling, delivered on Thursday, has sparked surprise and disappointment among Maradona’s family.
The heirs of the legendary footballer launched an urgent judicial procedure, aiming to prevent the auction of the coveted trophy, which is scheduled to take place at the Aguttes auction house in Paris next Thursday.
However, their attempt was thwarted when the court ruled in favour of the current owner, identified as Mr. Benchaieb.
“The court’s decision was not favorable to the heirs of Diego Maradona,” stated Gilles Moreu, the lawyer representing Maradona’s heirs. He expressed their collective dismay, saying, “We are both surprised and saddened by the ruling. We intend to use all available means of recourse between now and June 6.”
The Golden Ball, awarded to Maradona for being the best player of the 1986 World Cup, had been missing for decades under mysterious circumstances before resurfacing in 2016. It emerged as part of a private collection in Paris, and Mr. Benchaieb, who acquired it, claims he was unaware of its stolen status at the time of purchase.
Aguttes auction house confirmed the trophy’s reappearance and its planned auction, expecting it to fetch millions due to its historical significance and uniqueness. Interested bidders will need to make a substantial deposit of 150,000 euros (£127,500) to participate in the auction.
The saga of the missing trophy includes numerous rumors, ranging from it being lost in a poker game to being stored in a Naples bank safe that was allegedly robbed by local gangsters in 1989. Maradona’s heirs believe it was stolen from the bank.
Maradona, revered as one of the greatest footballers of all time, led Argentina to victory in the 1986 World Cup and had a storied career with clubs like Barcelona and Napoli. His death has left a lasting impact on the football community and beyond, with fans worldwide mourning the loss of an iconic figure.
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