Medical staff to face trial over Diego Maradona's death

Judge in Argentina orders trial for alleged criminal negligence during football great's post-surgery care

In this file picture taken on June 29, 1986 Argentina's captain Diego Maradona kisses the World Cup after a 3-2 victory over West Germany at the Azteca stadium in Mexico City. Maradona is self-isolating after one of his bodyguards displayed symptoms of Covid-19. AFP

In this file picture taken on May 20, 2008 former Argentinian football player Diego Maradona controls the ball as he poses during a photocall for Serbian director Emir Kusturica's film 'Maradona by Kusturica' at the 61st Cannes International Film Festival in Cannes, southern France. Maradona turns 60 on October 30, 2020. AFP

In this file picture taken on January 16, 2009 Argentina's national football team coach Diego Maradona laughs during a press conference in Ezeiza, Buenos Aires. AFP

In this file picture taken on November 29, 2018 Mexican second division football club Dorados' Argentine coach Diego Armando Maradona looks on before a match of the first round of the Final against Atletico San Luis at the Banorte stadium in Culiacan, Sinaloa State, Mexico. AFP

In this file picture taken on December 1, 2017 Argentina's former footballer Diego Maradona poses on stage ahead of the 2018 World Cup draw at the State Kremlin Palace in Moscow. AFP

In this file picture taken on December 15, 2013 Napoli supporters wave a flag bearing a portrait of football legend Argentinian Diego Maradona during the Serie A football match against Inter Milan at San Paolo Stadium in Naples. AFP

In this file picture taken on May 22, 1986 Argentine football star Diego Maradona, wearing a diamond earring, balances a ball on his head as he walks off the practice field following the national team's practice session in Mexico City. AFP

In this file picture taken on December 6, 2008 Argentina's national team coach and former football star Diego Armando Maradona gestures as he attends a felicitation programme at Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata, India. AFP

In this file picture taken on June 16, 2018 Argentina football legend Diego Maradona smokes a cigar as he attends the Russia 2018 World Cup Group D football match between Argentina and Iceland at the Spartak Stadium in Moscow. AFP

In this March 7, 2020 file photo, Gimnasia y Esgrima coach Diego Maradona before a match against Boca Juniors. Reuters

In this September 8, 2019 file photo, president of Gimnasia y Esgrima Gabriel Pellegrino and Diego Maradona during his presentation as new coach. Reuters

In this file picture taken on November 6, 2001 former football star Diego Maradona answers questions during a press conference in Buenos Aires. AFP

Eight medical personnel are set to stand trial for alleged criminal negligence that led to Argentine football great Diego Maradona's death while receiving post-surgery care.

A judge in Argentina on Wednesday ordered a culpable homicide trial for the eight, including Maradona's family doctor and nurses, based on evidence that they had failed to take "action that could have prevented the death" in November 2020.

No trial date has been set. Maradona died aged 60 while recovering from brain surgery for a blood clot. He was found dead two weeks after going under the knife, in a rented house in Buenos Aires where he was brought after being discharged from hospital.

A panel of 20 medical experts convened by Argentina's public prosecutor concluded last year that Maradona's treatment had "deficiencies and irregularities." It said the footballer "would have had a better chance of survival" with adequate treatment in an appropriate medical facility.

Brain surgeon Leopoldo Luque and psychiatrist Agustina Cosachov are among those who will stand trial for homicide, the judge ruled. The trial is not expected to begin until the end of 2023 or early 2024.

Argentine prosecutors launched investigations shortly after Maradona's death, including ordering searches of properties of his personal doctor and probing others involved in his care.

The defendants have denied responsibility for Maradona's death. The judge said that lawyers for some of them had requested the case be dismissed.

Vadim Mischanchuk, an attorney for Cosachov, said they would appeal the decision, adding the psychiatrist's area of care had no relation with Maradona's cause of death.

"A guilty party is being sought at all costs and objectivity is being lost," the lawyer said.

Maradona is widely considered one of the greatest footballers of all time. He led Argentina to victory in the 1986 World Cup and enjoyed a successful club career that spanned more than 20 years. He also had various short-term spells in management around the world, including with the Argentina national team, whom he led to the 2010 World Cup, and in the UAE with Al Wasl and Fujairah.