Diego Maradona faces second trial in Italy over estimated 40 million euros in unpaid taxes

 

Diego Maradona faces second trial in Italy over estimated 40 million euros in unpaid taxes

The Argentine stands accused of dodging the tax man during his seven-year spell with Napoli between 1984 and 1991, yet his legal team insists that he is a victim.

A second hearing has begun in Naples into the estimated 40 million euros Diego Maradona owes to the Italian government in unpaid taxes.

The case relates to the legendary Argentine international’s seven-year spell with Serie A outfit Napoli between 1984 and 1991.

It first emerged two years ago that Maradona owed a colossal sum of money to the state but the first trial collapsed because of a conflict of interest involving one of the designated judges.

The 51-year-old, who is currently coaching in United Arab Emirates with Al Wasl, has repeatedly stated his innocence and, according to TMnews.it, his legal team is adamant that the World Cup winner is the victim of a witch hunt by the Italian tax authorities.

Maradona, who led Napoli to two Italian titles, has long maintained that he was driven out of Italy after leading his native Argentina past the Azzurri during the 1990 World Cup.
 (Goal.com)