Diego Maradona : “Maradona Heirs Lose Bid to Block Sale of Golden Ball Trophy”

Accident – Death – Obituary News : : 1. Maradona heirs court case
2. World Cup Golden Ball trophy sale

The heirs of the late football legend Diego Maradona are in a legal battle to prevent the auction of his 1986 World Cup Golden Ball trophy. Despite their efforts, the court ruled against them, allowing the trophy to be sold at the Aguttes auction house in Paris. The trophy, missing for decades before resurfacing recently, is said to have been stolen according to Maradona’s heirs. The current owner, Mr. Benchaieb, claims he was unaware of its stolen status when he bought it. The trophy, expected to fetch millions at auction, holds historical significance due to Maradona’s iconic performances during the 1986 World Cup.

The Fight Over Maradona’s Golden Ball Trophy

Diego Maradona’s heirs are embroiled in a legal battle to stop the auction of the Golden Ball trophy he received for being the best player of the 1986 World Cup. The trophy, which has been missing for decades, is set to go under the hammer at the Aguttes auction house in Paris next Thursday.

The Disappearance and Resurfacing of the Trophy

The Golden Ball trophy disappeared in uncertain circumstances after Maradona received it at a ceremony at the Lido cabaret on the Champs-Élysées in 1986. Rumors swirled about its whereabouts, with some speculating that it was lost during a poker game or sold to pay off debts. Others claim that Maradona stored it in a safe in a Naples bank that was robbed by local gangsters. Maradona’s heirs believe it was stolen from the bank. The trophy only recently resurfaced and is now at the center of a legal dispute.

Heirs’ Claims and Court Ruling

Maradona’s heirs contend that the trophy was stolen and that the current owner, identified as Mr. Benchaieb, is not entitled to sell it. However, the president of the Nanterre court outside Paris ruled in favor of the current owner, stating that he should be considered as acting in good faith. Benchaieb and Aguttes, the auction house, maintain that when the trophy was acquired years ago, they were unaware that it had been stolen.

Legal Battle and Future Plans

Lawyer Gilles Moreu, representing Maradona’s heirs, expressed surprise and sadness at the court’s ruling. He stated that they intend to use all available means of recourse before the auction on June 6. The stakes are high, as Aguttes expects the trophy to fetch millions due to its uniqueness. Bidders will need to make a deposit of 150,000 euros to participate in the auction.

Maradona’s Legacy

Diego Maradona, who passed away in 2020 at the age of 60, remains a legendary figure in the world of football. He captained Argentina to victory in the 1986 World Cup final, where he scored the infamous “Hand of God” goal and the remarkable “Goal of the Century” against England. His skill and charisma on the field continue to captivate fans around the globe.

As the legal battle over Maradona’s Golden Ball trophy unfolds, the footballing world watches with bated breath to see the outcome of this high-stakes dispute.