Maradona's former lawyer to testify in trial over football legend's death

Matías Morla, the lawyer and representative of the late football icon Diego Maradona, is scheduled to testify in the ongoing trial concerning the legendary player's death. Morla, who held extensive administrative and financial powers over Maradona's assets until his passing, is himself facing parallel legal proceedings.

Morla is currently indicted for fraudulent administration concerning the commercial brands bearing Maradona's name. He is also under investigation for allegedly taking advantage of an incapacitated person. These charges stem from allegations that he manipulated Maradona's affairs for personal benefit during the footballer's final years.

Adding to the scrutiny, Gianinna Maradona, one of Diego Maradona's daughters, has publicly accused Morla of masterminding a "long-term plan" to hasten her father's death for economic motives. In an interview, she claimed that medical professionals followed Morla's instructions, suggesting he sought to profit from Maradona's commercial interests.

Morla is accused in a separate process, alongside three associates and two of Maradona's sisters, of defrauding the legitimate heirs through a company that managed 246 trademarks linked to the Argentine star. During the trial for Maradona's death, Morla was described as the central figure of Maradona's "team," a group that managed his personal, legal, and administrative matters. This team reportedly included his assistant Vanesa Morla, personal secretary Maximiliano Pomargo, and nephew Jonathan Espósito, all allegedly acting in coordination with Maradona's primary physician and a key defendant in the death trial, Leopoldo Luque.