Maradona's Ex-Lawyer and Friend Testifies in Death Trial: 'Things Were Done Very Badly'

Víctor Stinfale, a former lawyer and friend of the late football icon Diego Maradona, testified in the ongoing trial concerning Maradona's death, asserting that "things were done very badly" during the star's home-based medical treatment. Maradona died on November 25, 2020, from acute lung edema secondary to chronic heart failure, according to the autopsy, while he was recovering from brain surgery at a residence outside Buenos Aires.

During the trial, numerous witnesses have reported seeing Maradona "very swollen." Messages presented as evidence show warnings given to Leopoldo Luque, Maradona's personal doctor, about his deteriorating condition. Stinfale recounted details of Maradona's surgery on November 3 for a subdural hematoma and a subsequent meeting where doctors, family, and associates discussed the continuation of his treatment.

Stinfale recalled that the private medical company Swiss Medical was supposed to provide logistical support for Maradona's home care. This testimony follows that of Nancy Forlini, Swiss Medical's home care coordinator and a defendant in the trial, who denied accusations against her and the company regarding failures in Maradona's final two weeks of care.

The role of Swiss Medical has been a central point of contention in the trial, with evidence presented showing medical requests the company allegedly failed to fulfill. Alongside Luque and Forlini, the defendants include psychiatrist Agustina Cosachov, nursing coordinator Mariano Perroni, psychologist Carlos Díaz, doctor Pedro Di Spagna, and nurse Ricardo Almirón, all facing charges of simple homicide with eventual intent.