BUENOS AIRES — A new trial into the death of Argentinian football hero Diego Maradona is to be held outside Buenos Aires, German Press Agency (dpa) reported.
Media reports on Thursday said the seventh criminal court in San Isidro, near the Argentinian capital, was chosen by lot to carry out the trial following a scandal involving a previous judge.
Seven medical professionals are on trial for the possible involuntary manslaughter of the legendary footballer in 2020.
Judges Roberto Gaig, Alejandro Lago and Alberto Ortolani are to conduct the new trial.
The first trial was declared null and void in late May after around two and a half months because the judge involved, Julieta Makintach, had simultaneously worked on an unauthorised documentary about the trial.
She has since been suspended from office and is awaiting separate impeachment proceedings. It remains to be seen when the new main proceedings will begin.
Although a new trial date could theoretically be set soon, judicial circles are increasingly expecting a postponement to 2026.
Reasons given include a busy schedule and expected delaying tactics by the defence lawyers.
Maradona died of heart failure in November 2020 at the age of 60, a few weeks after an operation for a blood clot in his brain.
The public prosecutor’s office accuses the medical staff of gross negligence in their care. — June 20, 2025