Medical evidence mix-up: Court suspends Maradona trial after claim kidney tests may belong to his father

SAN ISIDRO, Argentina — The ongoing trial regarding the death of Argentine football icon Diego Maradona has been temporarily halted after allegations that kidney test results presented in court may have belonged to Maradona's father, Diego Armando Maradona, who passed away in 2015. Seven healthcare workers are currently facing charges of criminal negligence due to the alleged substandard care provided to Maradona in the months preceding his death at the age of 60 in November 2020.

Maradona's health took a turn for the worse following brain surgery, leading to his death from heart failure and acute pulmonary oedema in a Buenos Aires suburb. The first trial, which lasted for over two and a half months, was abruptly dismissed last year after it was revealed that one of the judges involved had participated in an undercover documentary on the case.

In April, a new trial commenced, but it was once again called to a halt following the defense's claim that the kidney tests in question were not those of Maradona but instead belonged to his deceased father. The presiding judge, Alberto Gaig, ordered the court to investigate whether the tests "correspond to Diego Armando Maradona or someone else" before proceeding further.

Maradona's medical team is accused of providing inadequate care in the days leading up to his demise. Despite the defense's assertion that the test mix-up would not undermine their case, prosecutor Patricio Ferrari remains confident that the trial will continue. If the test results are indeed identified as those of Maradona's father, it could potentially discredit the medical commission set up to scrutinize the circumstances surrounding the football legend's death, strengthening the defense's position.

The commission has been particularly critical of the care Maradona received during his final days. A nephrologist testified that the former player, who had a history of cocaine abuse, was suffering from chronic kidney disease, which should have raised red flags for his caregivers. Moreover, the patient should have undergone daily blood tests; however, there was no evidence of any blood being drawn during his two weeks of convalescence at home. The credibility of the experts involved in the case is now under scrutiny.