On May 20, 2025, an Argentine court in San Isidro suspended the trial of Diego Maradona’s medical team, accused of negligence in the football legend’s death, due to concerns about Judge Julieta Makintach’s impartiality.
The week-long pause, ordered to address “an issue of institutional gravity,” follows defence claims that Makintach’s involvement in a documentary about the case may violate her duty of impartiality.
Defence lawyers requested Makintach’s recusal, alleging her participation in the documentary and the unauthorised use of courtroom cameras breached a filming ban. They raised concerns about potential influence peddling and bribery. Prosecutor Patricio Ferrari noted the need to investigate whether the filming rule was violated and Makintach’s role, if any. Makintach defended her impartiality but said she would consider stepping down if doubts persisted. As confirmed by presiding Judge Maximiliano Savarino, the trial is set to resume on May 27, 2025.
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Se suspende el juicio por la muerte de Maradona por el escándalo de la jueza Makintach, quien es investigada por haber autorizado un documental sin consentimiento.
👉 Paulo Kablan cuenta todos los detalles acá https://t.co/XJfgzu3aJO pic.twitter.com/zL48Yc77VB
— infobae (@infobae) May 20, 2025Maradona’s Death and Trial Background
Diego Maradona, the 1986 World Cup hero, died on November 25, 2020, at age 60 from heart failure and acute pulmonary oedema while recovering at home in Tigre from brain surgery. His death, two weeks after the procedure, followed decades of struggles with cocaine and alcohol addiction. Found deceased by his day nurse, Maradona’s passing during the COVID-19 pandemic sparked national mourning in Argentina, with thousands paying respects at the presidential palace.
The Argentine court trying the medical team of late football legend Diego Maradona over his death suspended the trial for a week over questions about a judge's impartialityhttps://t.co/GPbZvm9H5K
— RTÉ News (@rtenews) May 20, 2025The trial, ongoing for two months, examines the care provided by Maradona’s seven-person medical team, charged with “homicide with possible intent.” Prosecutors allege gross negligence, claiming the team allowed Maradona to recuperate at home with minimal supervision and inadequate medical equipment instead of in a hospital. Conviction could lead to prison terms of 8 to 25 years.
Maradona’s daughter, Gianinna, testified that her father’s carers kept him in a “dark, ugly, and lonely” environment, prioritising financial gain over his well-being. So far, only Maradona’s psychiatrist has taken the stand, with the trial focusing on the decision to manage his recovery at home. Due to Maradona’s legacy as a Boca Juniors and Napoli icon, the case continues to draw intense public and media attention.
The suspension underscores the importance of judicial impartiality in a high-profile case. The investigation into the filming allegations will determine whether Makintach remains on the bench, potentially affecting the trial’s trajectory. The outcome will resonate deeply with fans and the global sports community as Argentina seeks justice for its football legend.
For updates on the Maradona trial, visit the Argentine Judiciary’s official website or follow trusted international news sources.
