An Argentine court has scheduled December 22 to deliver its verdict in the trial of six healthcare professionals accused of negligence in connection with the death of football legend Diego Maradona, following the acquittal of one doctor at the conclusion of six months of hearings.
The court in San Isidro, near Buenos Aires, announced the date on Thursday, October 22, after hearing the final statements from some of the defendants and an emotional appeal for justice from Maradona’s daughter, Dalma.
The proceedings also ended with the acquittal of clinical physician Pedro Di Spagna after prosecutors and the lawyers representing Maradona’s family withdrew their accusations against him.
The remaining six defendants will learn their fate when the three-judge panel delivers its verdict at noon local time on December 22.
Maradona’s daughter called on the court to ensure that her father received justice as the lengthy proceedings reached their conclusion.
“I hope my father receives the justice he deserves, like anyone else,” Dalma said, struggling to contain her emotions.
Her statement reflected the family’s continuing efforts to establish accountability for the circumstances surrounding the death of the former Argentina captain, who died on November 25, 2020, at the age of 60.
Maradona was found dead at a rented residence in Tigre, where he was recovering after undergoing surgery to remove a blood clot from his brain. His death was attributed to heart failure and acute pulmonary oedema, a condition involving fluid accumulation in the lungs.
The circumstances surrounding his final days prompted an investigation into the medical care he received while recovering at home.
Prosecutors have argued that members of his healthcare team failed to provide adequate treatment and supervision, exposing him to risks that contributed to his death. The defendants have disputed the allegations, with their lawyers challenging the prosecution’s interpretation of the medical evidence and the responsibilities assigned to each professional.
Those awaiting the December verdict include Leopoldo Luque, Maradona’s former personal neurosurgeon; psychiatrist Agustina Cosachov; psychologist Carlos Díaz; Nancy Forlini, who coordinated his home medical care; nursing coordinator Mariano Perroni; and nurse Ricardo Almirón.
Luque is the most prominent defendant in the case and has repeatedly maintained his innocence.
Speaking during the final hearing, he again declared that he was not responsible for Maradona’s death. His defence team has rejected the prosecution’s argument that the football icon’s death was foreseeable and has described Luque as a scapegoat.
Prosecutors have requested prison sentences ranging from four to 12 years for the six remaining defendants, depending on their alleged responsibilities. The heaviest requested sentence is for Luque.
However, the requested punishments are not convictions, and the court must assess the evidence and arguments before determining whether any of the defendants are criminally responsible.
Di Spagna’s case ended differently. The court acquitted him after the prosecution and the family’s legal representatives withdrew their accusations, leaving no sustained allegation against him.
The decision does not determine the outcome of the cases against the six other healthcare professionals, whose legal responsibilities remain under consideration.
The trial has attracted considerable attention in Argentina, where Maradona remains one of the country’s most celebrated sporting figures. He captained the national team to victory at the 1986 FIFA World Cup in Mexico and became an international icon through his performances for Argentina and leading European clubs.
His death prompted nationwide mourning and renewed questions about the arrangements made for his recovery following brain surgery.
The current proceedings followed the collapse of an earlier trial in 2025 after a judge’s involvement in a documentary about the case raised serious concerns about judicial impartiality. That trial was annulled, forcing the case to begin again.
The second trial started in April 2026 and examined the allegations against the seven healthcare professionals involved in Maradona’s treatment.
With the hearings concluded, the judges must now evaluate the evidence, the prosecution’s arguments and the defence submissions before reaching their decision.
The December 22 verdict will mark a significant stage in the legal effort to determine whether criminal negligence played a role in the death of one of football’s most influential figures.
Until the court delivers its decision, the six remaining defendants are presumed innocent under the law.
