Diego Maradona : Maradona Heirs Lose Court Battle, World Cup Golden Ball Auction | Sports

Accident – Death – Obituary News : : 1. Maradona heirs court battle
2. World Cup Golden Ball auction

A French court has ruled that the auction of the trophy awarded to the late Diego Maradona after the 1986 World Cup can proceed despite opposition from his heirs. The Golden Ball trophy, given to Maradona for being the best player of the tournament, is set to be auctioned in Paris. Maradona’s heirs claim the trophy was stolen and should not be sold, but the court ruled in favor of the current owner. Rumours surrounding the trophy’s disappearance include it being lost during a poker game or stolen from a bank in Naples. Bidders are expected to pay a deposit of €150,000 to participate in the auction.

Diego Maradona’s Golden Ball Trophy Controversy Unfolds in French Court

In a recent development, a French court has ruled that the auction of the Golden Ball trophy awarded to the late Diego Maradona after the 1986 World Cup can proceed as scheduled, despite opposition from his heirs. The decision has sparked a legal battle between Maradona’s family and the current owner of the trophy, identified as Mr Benchaieb. The trophy, which was missing for decades, reappeared in 2016 and is now set to be auctioned in Paris by the Aguttes auction house.

Legal Battle Over Maradona’s Iconic Trophy

Maradona’s heirs have made attempts to halt the auction of the Golden Ball trophy, claiming that it was stolen and that the current owner has no right to sell it. The court’s ruling, however, was not in favour of Maradona’s heirs, prompting their lawyer, Gilles Moreu, to announce plans for an appeal. The president of the Nanterre court outside Paris deemed the current owner to be acting in good faith, further complicating the legal dispute.

Disappearance and Resurfacing of the Golden Ball Trophy

The Golden Ball trophy was presented to Maradona in 1986 after he was named the best player of the World Cup. However, the trophy mysteriously disappeared, leading to various rumours surrounding its whereabouts. Some speculate that it was lost during a poker game or sold to settle debts, while others believe it was stolen from a bank in Naples where Maradona had reportedly stored it. The trophy resurfaced in 2016 and has since been at the centre of a legal and moral debate.

Investigation and Potential Value of the Trophy

French judicial officials have opened an investigation into the resale of the allegedly stolen trophy, following a complaint received last week. The Nanterre prosecutor’s office confirmed that the court’s ruling will not impact the ongoing probe. Aguttes, the auction house handling the sale, anticipates that the trophy will fetch millions due to its historical significance and uniqueness. Bidders interested in participating in the auction will be required to make a substantial deposit.

Maradona’s Enduring Legacy

Diego Maradona, who passed away in 2020 at the age of 60, remains a legendary figure in the world of football. His iconic performance in the 1986 World Cup final, where he led Argentina to victory over West Germany, is etched in sporting history. Maradona’s infamous “Hand of God” goal and the mesmerising “Goal of the Century” against England continue to be celebrated as defining moments in football.

As the legal battle over Maradona’s Golden Ball trophy unfolds in a French court, the world watches with bated breath to see the outcome of this contentious auction. The legacy of one of football’s greatest players hangs in the balance, as his heirs fight for the return of a priceless piece of sporting history.