One of the three judges overseeing the trial of Diego Maradona’s medical staff has stepped down after accusations of being involved in a documentary about the case.

Judge Makintach said she had “no choice” but to recuse herself from the case.

The documentary titled "Divine Justice" focuses on the trial of Diego Maradona’s medical staff, who are currently facing trial. A footage from the documentary was played in court, showing Judge Julieta Makintach as one of its lead characters.

Prosecutor Patricio Ferrari, following the showing of the footage, accused Makintach of behaving “like an actress and not a judge”, arguing that her involvement compromised the integrity of the trial.

Consequently, Julieta has recused herself from the case.According to reports, the trial was supposed to end in 4 months; however, the recusal of Julieta has left the court in limbo on whether to proceed or start it all over again.

About the case

Seven members of the legendary Brazilian footballer’s medical team are currently facing prosecution following accusations of negligent homicide leading to the death of the footballer in 2020.

However, they have denied these allegations. But if they are found guilty, they are likely to face between eight and 25 years in prison.

Maradona underwent surgery after he was diagnosed with a brain blood clot (subdural hematoma) at Olivos Clinic in Buenos Aires on November 3, 2020.

He was discharged just seven days after the surgery despite instructions from his doctor to stay at the health care facility.

The decision to discharge him was influenced by neurosurgeon Leopoldo Luque and psychiatrist Agustina Cosachov, who proposed that his care continue at a private residence instead of a medical facility.

While recovering at a private residence, he died on November 25, 2020, exactly 14 days later, of a heart attack, aged 60.

Prosecutors allege his death could have been avoided and describe the care given as “reckless, deficient and unprecedented”.

They claim the football star refused further treatment and should have stayed at the hospital for longer after his operation.

Judge Julieta Makintach had denied authorising filming inside the Buenos Aires court, but her credibility was questioned after footage from a trailer emerged.