Maradona trial on hold amid suspected kidney test mix-up

The trial involving the death of Argentine football icon Diego Maradona has been put on hold due to allegations that kidney tests presented in court actually belonged to Maradona's father, also named Diego. Seven medical professionals are charged with criminal negligence in the care Maradona received before his passing at the age of 60 in November 2020, following surgery.

The first trial, which lasted for nearly three months, was abruptly dismissed last year after it emerged that one of the judges participated in a covert documentary about the case. A fresh trial commenced in April but was now on the verge of conclusion when this latest dispute arose. The defense argues that the kidney tests displayed during the trial were, in fact, those of Maradona's father, who passed away in 2015.

The court adjourned the proceedings until August 27 to reassess the evidence. Maradona ultimately succumbed to heart failure and acute pulmonary edema - a condition characterized by fluid buildup in the lungs - in a rented residence in Buenos Aires' Tigre district, two weeks after undergoing surgery for a brain aneurysm. His medical team is under scrutiny for providing subpar care in the weeks leading up to his demise, a claim the team vehemently denies.

On Tuesday, a nephrologist testified before the court, asserting that Maradona's kidney health should have raised immediate red flags for his medical team. According to the expert, the footballer should have undergone daily medical examinations, nursing care, blood tests, and monitoring of his vital signs. The prosecution maintains that the supposed mix-up in documents would not undermine their case.

"The defense will not prevail in their attempt to scuttle the trial," stated prosecutor Patricio Ferrari. A lawyer representing one of the accused, nurse Nancy Forlini, affirmed that there are no intentions to request a mistrial, emphasizing her desire for a resolution to determine her client's legal fate. Should it be confirmed that the kidney test results were indeed those of Maradona's father, it could potentially cast doubt on the medical commission established to investigate the circumstances surrounding Maradona's death.

The nephrologist who testified on Tuesday is a member of that commission, which has strongly criticized the care provided to the legendary player.