Argentinian investigators today (May 20) arrested and charged seven medical professionals, directly responsible for Diego Maradona’s care, in relation to the death of the footballing legend.

According to a report by ESPN, among those charged with “simple homicide with eventual intent” are neurosurgeon Dr Leopoldo Luque, psychiatrist Agustina Cosachov, two nurses and other medical professionals. 

“The prosecutors’ office in San Isidro, Argentina, which opened an investigation into the Argentine legend’s death, have requested to the judge that those individuals indicted not be permitted to leave the country,” ESPN reported.

If found guilty, those accused could face between eight to 25 years in prison.

Maradona, the albiceleste icon, died aged 60 in November 2020, from heart failure, two weeks after undergoing brain surgery—sending shockwaves throughout the world.

• Related article: BREAKING: Diego Maradona dies, aged 60

Both Luque and Cosachov deny any wrongdoing in the bombshell probe, however, a medical board appointed to investigate the sporting star’s death concluded on April 30 that the soccer star’s medical team acted in an “inappropriate, deficient and reckless manner”.

According to a copy of the report shared with Reuters, the board’s report said Maradona had become seriously unwell and was dying for around 12 hours before his death at around midday on November 25.

“The action of the health team in charge of treating DAM (Diego Armando Maradona) was inadequate, deficient and reckless,” said the medical board report dated April 30.

“He presented unequivocal signs of a prolonged agonizing period, so we conclude that the patient was not properly monitored from 00:30 on 11/25/2020,” the report added.

Argentine prosecutors launched investigations shortly after Maradona’s death at age 60 from heart failure at a house near Buenos Aires, including ordering searches of properties of his personal doctor and probing others involved in his care.

Maradona, nicknamed “D10S,” a play on the Spanish word for god, and “Pelusa” for his prominent mane of hair, had battled alcohol and drug addiction for many years and had undergone brain surgery in November.