Mistrial Declared in Diego Maradona Homicide Case Following Judge’s Resignation
The high-profile negligent homicide trial of Diego Maradona’s medical team has been declared a mistrial, lawyers for the defendants confirmed Thursday, following the sudden resignation of one of the presiding judges, Al Jazeera reports.
Judge Julieta Makintach stepped down on Tuesday after facing accusations of an ethical breach. Footage emerged showing her participating in a documentary film inside the courthouse, a violation of judicial conduct rules. Her departure left the three-judge panel incomplete and forced a halt to proceedings.
Court officials have not yet announced a new date for the trial or appointed a replacement judicial panel.
The case, which captivated Argentina and the global football community, centers around the 2020 death of Maradona — one of the sport’s most revered figures. The legendary player died from heart failure at the age of 60, while recovering from brain surgery to remove a subdural hematoma.
Seven members of Maradona’s medical team were charged with “simple homicide with eventual intent,” a legal category in Argentina that implies negligence with potential awareness of fatal consequences. If convicted, the defendants faced between eight and 25 years in prison. All have denied the charges.
The trial began on March 11 and had already drawn significant media attention, not only because of Maradona’s status but due to ongoing debate in Argentina about the adequacy of his care in the days leading up to his death.
Maradona, widely considered one of the greatest footballers of all time, led Argentina to its 1986 World Cup victory. His “Hand of God” goal and subsequent solo run against England in the tournament’s quarterfinals became etched in both football history and Argentine national identity, particularly given the lingering emotions following the 1982 Falklands War.
Beyond Argentina, Maradona was idolized in Naples, where he played for Napoli and turned the underdog club into a European powerhouse during the 1980s. His charisma and talent made him a global icon, though his legacy was also marked by years of substance abuse and controversy, including alleged ties to organized crime during his time in Italy.
In 2000, FIFA named him one of its two “Players of the Century,” alongside Brazil’s Pelé.
The mistrial marks a significant delay in accountability for Maradona’s family and fans seeking answers about his death. The video that triggered the mistrial reportedly showed Judge Makintach being filmed in court corridors and in her chambers — a direct violation of rules designed to preserve judicial impartiality.
