The medical staff of soccer legend Diego Armando Maradona’s to face murder trial

Eight members of Diego Armando Maradona's medical staff will face a manslaughter trial after being accused of criminal negligence in the death of the Argentine soccer legend.

Many considered Maradona to be one of the greatest soccer players of all time, who died of a heart attack at his home in Buenos Aires in November 2020 at the age of 60.

Just days after his death, prosecutors launched an investigation into the personnel responsible for his 24-hour care while Maradona was recovering from surgery.

Among the accused are Maradona's neurosurgeon and personal physician, Leopoldo Luque, psychiatrist Agustina Cosachov, psychologist Carlos Diaz, two other doctors, two nurses, and his boss. All of them have denied their responsibility for his death.

Luque performed brain surgery on Maradona to remove a blood clot less than two weeks before his death.

During a press conference days after the soccer star's death, Luque sobbed and insisted that he did everything possible to save his friend.

The ruling states that the eight employees are charged with "simple homicide," a serious charge that means taking life with intent.

A medical board investigating the star's death concluded that his medical staff acted in an "inappropriate, deficient and reckless manner."

The offense can carry a sentence of eight to 25 years in an Argentine prison. A trial date has not yet been set.

Mario Baudry, the lawyer for one of Maradona's sons, said the World Cup winner was "in a helpless situation" at the time of his death. 

"As soon as I saw the case, I said it was a homicide. I fought for a long time and here we are, with this stage accomplished," he said.

Maradona's autopsy said he died of natural causes, but authorities launched an investigation into the case after pressure from the star's family.

Maradona's death generated nationwide mourning in Argentina, as well as among fans of the game around the world.

Maradona led Argentina to win the 1986 World Cup, scoring the famous "Hand of God" goal against England in the quarterfinals, known to be one of the best goals in the world.

Towards the end of his brilliant career on the soccer field, Maradona suffered from cocaine addiction.