Closing arguments begin as Maradona death trial enters final weeks

The trial over the death of football legend Diego Maradona concluded with prosecutors presenting their closing arguments on Thursday, arguing that the late star was left to his fate by an unorganized and improvised medical team. Seven medical professionals have been on trial since April, accused of providing inadequate care to Maradona, who died in 2020 while recovering at home after brain surgery.

The 60-year-old Maradona, known for his substance abuse issues, passed away due to heart failure and acute pulmonary oedema, a condition where fluid accumulates in the lungs. The prosecutor, Patricio Ferrari, accused the medical team of breaching their duties and omitting necessary medical acts, leaving Maradona in a helpless situation.

The two layers of medical care overseeing the star, one involving his personal doctors and the other provided by Swiss Medical, both failed. The defense argues that Maradona suffered a sudden and unforeseeable cardiac event. The defendants face up to 25 years in prison if convicted. The prosecution maintains that Maradona's death was avoidable due to inadequate home hospitalisation conditions and the chaotic organization of the medical team.