Mistrial Declared in Diego Maradona Negligence Case Amid Judge’s Documentary Scandal

A man prays in front of a sanctuary for the late soccer star Diego Maradona at Argentinos Juniors stadium in Buenos Aires, Argentina, last November

An Argentine court has declared a mistrial in the high-profile case involving seven health professionals accused of negligence in the death of soccer legend Diego Maradona. The dramatic twist came Thursday after one of the presiding judges, Julieta Makintach, recused herself following controversy surrounding her involvement in a forthcoming documentary series about the case.

The mistrial ruling, delivered by Judge Maximiliano Savarino, resets all proceedings that began on March 11, effectively nullifying weeks of testimony and courtroom drama that had captivated the soccer world. The court confirmed that a new trial would take place, but did not specify a start date. A higher court is expected to appoint three new judges by lottery "within a reasonable period of time."

Makintach became the center of a judicial ethics scandal when the prosecution presented a trailer for the documentary Divine Justice, which she was reportedly involved in. The teaser, intercut with archival footage of Maradona’s legendary goals, also featured stylized shots of Makintach walking through Buenos Aires’ courthouse corridors in high heels and a short skirt. The footage, paired with a suspenseful soundtrack, raised concerns about her impartiality and professionalism.

The prosecutor called for her recusal and requested a judicial investigation, alleging that the judge allowed a film crew to access private hearings for the reality-style production. Faced with mounting backlash, Makintach announced on Tuesday that she had "no choice" but to resign from the case.

Judge Savarino stated on Thursday, “Judge Makintach did not act impartially. Her conduct caused harm to both the plaintiffs and the defense. The only person responsible is the recused judge. This is an unpleasant decision.”

Judge Julieta Makintach arrives at court for a hearing in the trial of health professionals accused of negligence in the death of soccer star Diego Maradona, in San Isidro, on the outskirts of Buenos Aires, Argentina, Tuesday, May 27, 2025

The courtroom reaction was emotional, with Maradona’s daughters, Gianinna and Dalma, seen in tears as the decision was announced. The trial, initially expected to run through July, now faces significant delays.

The case revolves around allegations that Maradona’s medical team failed to provide adequate care during his recovery from brain surgery in November 2020. The 60-year-old soccer icon died of cardiac arrest at a rented home near Buenos Aires, sparking national mourning and immediate suspicion about the circumstances of his death.

The defendants, including Maradona’s primary physician Leopoldo Luque, his psychiatrist, psychologist, nurses, and a medical coordinator, are charged with culpable homicide. This charge, akin to involuntary manslaughter, suggests the accused knew their actions posed a risk but disregarded the consequences. They face up to 25 years in prison if convicted.

Throughout the now-nullified hearings, expert witnesses alleged that Maradona endured 12 hours of agony before his death, while family members accused the medical staff of leaving him to deteriorate in squalid conditions instead of hospitalizing him. The defense has maintained that Maradona was a noncompliant and difficult patient who resisted treatment.

Maradona remains an enduring national figure in Argentina, having led the country to victory in the 1986 FIFA World Cup. His death continues to spark passionate public discourse, and the case has drawn global attention as legal, ethical, and emotional complexities unfold in court.