Maradona Trial's New Phase: Lottery Picks New Judges, Delays Potential Until 2026
Potential judicial personnel for the Maradona case are being chosen
Gear up for the resumption of the Diego Maradona trial! A fresh panel of judges has been appointed, but chances are slim this year will see a verdict. Why, you ask? Read on!
A shocking scandal involving one of the original judges led to the seventh criminal court of San Isidro stepping up to the plate. Reports confirm the court was selected via lottery, as per various news outlets in Argentina. This trial centers around seven medical professionals under the microscope for their suspected involvement in the alleged negligent homicide of soccer icon Diego Maradona.
Welcome, judges Roberto Gaig, Alejandro Lago, and substitute Alberto Ortolani! The first trial was a bust after a two-and-a-half-month run, as judge Julieta Makintach was discovered to be secretly working on a documentary about the case at the same time. The consequences were severe - Makintach was suspended and faced impeachment procedures.
Details on the trial's reboot are scarce. Rumors swirl that the new trial might be pushed to 2026, but a specific date has yet to be announced. The delay could be attributed to a packed schedule, or maybe, embarking on a few good old delay tactics from the defense.
Maradona passed away in November 2020 at 60 years old, due to heart failure just weeks after undergoing brain surgery for a blood clot. The prosecution is putting the blame on the medical professionals for their questionable care.
[Sources: ntv.de, tno/dpa]
- Diego Maradona
- Argentina
- Legal System
Enrichment Data (used sparingly to enhance understanding and context):
- Judge Makintach's misconduct: Emerged in May 2025, leading to the annulment of the initial trial on May 29, 2025[3][4][5]. Makintach was suspended from her duties and initiated an impeachment procedure.
- Selection Process: The new court was chosen through a manual lottery drawing, with Judge Alberto Ortolani from TOC No. 1 appointed as a substitute judge[1]. The session was held in privacy and took place a bit later than scheduled in the courthouse of San Isidro.
- Current Status: The trial remains on hold, with no new trial date set, as parties are given the opportunity to challenge the newly appointed judges before the proceedings can resume fresh[3][4].
Staging Post for the Maradona Death Case
- Court Annulled: May 29, 2025, due to Judge Julieta Makintach's unethical involvement in a documentary[3][4].
- New Court Chosen: June 19, 2025, Oral Criminal Court (TOC) No. 7 of San Isidro (Judges Alberto Gaig, Alejandro Lago, substitute Alberto Ortolani)[1].
- Reason for Delay: A need for a new retrial, requiring an entirely fresh panel of judges by lottery, an opportunity for challenges, and the scheduling of a new trial date[3][4].
- Current Trial Status: Awaiting a new trial date with the new judicial panel now in place[1].
The latest developments in the Maradona death case involve allegations of medical negligence by his health care team following his cardiac arrest in 2020.
- The ongoing Maradona trial, involving seven medical professionals accused of negligent homicide, has entered a new phase with a fresh panel of judges appointed, including Roberto Gaig, Alejandro Lago, and substitute Alberto Ortolani.
- The selection of the judicial panel was made via lottery due to the disqualification of Judge Julieta Makintach, who was found to be secretly working on a documentary about the case.
- The trial's resumption is being delayed, with rumors suggesting a possible push to 2026, though a specific date has yet to be announced.
- This high-profile case, rooted in sports (football) and politics, is just one example of community aid directed towards less favored regions, such as the legal system in Argentina, and falls under the general news and crime-and-justice categories, with European leagues like Laliga closely following its progress.
