The verdict in the trial concerning the 2020 death of Argentinian football legend Diego Maradona is set to be delivered on December 22, following six months of hearings. Seven healthcare professionals stand accused of negligence in the death of the iconic sportsman.

The trial, which began in April, sought to determine accountability for the circumstances surrounding Maradona's passing. The football icon, who battled substance abuse throughout his life, was found dead in his bed on November 25, 2020, at the age of 60. His death, attributed to heart failure and pulmonary oedema, occurred at a rented residence in Tigre, north of Buenos Aires, where he was recovering from minor neurosurgery.

During the conclusion of the hearings on Thursday, Maradona's daughter, Dalma Maradona, expressed her hope for justice, stating, "I hope my father receives the justice he deserves … like anyone else." The primary defendant, Leopoldo Luque, Maradona's personal doctor, maintained his innocence, declaring, "I am innocent." Over 70 witnesses testified throughout the proceedings.

Prosecutors have requested prison sentences ranging from four to 12 years for six of the seven defendants, with the most severe penalty sought for Dr. Luque. In their closing arguments, Luque's defense team argued that he was being made a "scapegoat" and rejected the prosecution's assertion that Maradona's death was foreseeable.

Throughout the trial, Dr. Luque was a notably vocal defendant, frequently speaking when he felt implicated. His legal team presented audio recordings, scientific papers, and even a video of Maradona's autopsy, actions that reportedly angered the footballer's daughters. Luque stated in court that it was "easy to attack me because I'm the one who had the most contact with Maradona," and that "the only one who would defend me would be Diego."

The central issue of the trial has focused on whether the decision to allow Maradona to convalesce at home, rather than in a hospital setting, constituted negligence. The prosecution highlighted what they described as the "near-total absence of medical equipment," such as a hospital bed, defibrillator, or readily available ambulance, as evidence supporting their claims against the defendants.

Maradona's death occurred amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, and his passing plunged Argentina into national mourning. The circumstances of his final days and the care he received have been under intense scrutiny since his death.

Luque's defense team has consistently argued that their client cared deeply for Maradona, whom he described as his "idol and my friend." The case continues to highlight the complex challenges in providing care for high-profile individuals with significant health issues.