BUENOS AIRES — Judges appointed to preside over the fresh trial of the medical team accused in the death of football legend Diego Maradona have rejected a motion by the defense to disqualify two members of the panel, calling the request “speculative” and lacking evidence.
The highly anticipated trial — which collapsed in May after it emerged that one of the original judges had secretly participated in a documentary about the case — was restarted in July with a newly assigned three-judge bench.
However, defense lawyers for Maradona’s personal physician, Dr. Leopoldo Luque, one of seven defendants facing charges of culpable homicide, argued that two of the newly appointed judges could not be impartial and should be recused from the case.
In their ruling on Wednesday, the judges dismissed the challenge, stating that the defense’s claims were based on mere “conjecture” and provided no substantial grounds for disqualification.
No date has been set yet for the new trial.
Maradona, revered globally as one of football’s greatest icons, died in November 2020 at the age of 60, just two weeks after undergoing brain surgery. He succumbed to heart failure and acute pulmonary edema — a buildup of fluid in the lungs — while recovering at home.
Prosecutors have accused his medical team of “homicide with possible intent,” alleging that their grossly negligent care during his home convalescence contributed directly to his death. If convicted, the defendants could face prison sentences ranging from eight to 25 years.
The trial continues to attract global attention as fans and legal experts alike await answers in the tragic and controversial death of a football titan.
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