Maradona death: Verdict in trial to be delivered on December 22

The trial of seven healthcare professionals accused of negligence in the star's death concluded on Thursday with brief statements from Maradona's daughter and several of the defendants. Maradona died at age 60 from heart failure coupled with pulmonary oedema on November 25, 2020, at his residence in Tigre, north of Buenos Aires.

Prosecution demands prison time

Prosecutors requested prison sentences ranging from four to 12 years for six of the seven defendants, with the heaviest sentence – 12 years – sought for Luque. The trial, which began in April, included testimony from more than 70 witnesses.

Defense claims scapegoat

In closing arguments, Luque's defense lawyers rejected the prosecution's argument that Maradona's death was foreseeable, calling their client a 'scapegoat' in the case. Luque declared his innocence in court.

The case revolved around whether the doctors' decision to allow Maradona to convalesce in a private home, instead of in a hospital, was negligent. Prosecutors pointed to the near-total absence of medical equipment as evidence of dereliction of duty.