Dr. Mario Schiter, who was closely involved in Diego Armando Maradona's rehabilitation in Cuba back in 2000, provided critical testimony this Thursday at the Oral Criminal Court No. 3 in San Isidro regarding the legendary Argentine's death. He elaborated on Maradona's chronic heart condition and the medical warnings that went unheeded in the weeks leading to his passing.
Local media reported that Schiter's testimony extended over four hours, during which he criticized the decision to move Maradona to a private residence after his surgery for a subdural hematoma, instead of transferring him to a specialized facility.
"We believed that the patient was not clinically discharged, only from the hospital," Schiter stated, clarifying that he never supported the move to a private home.
Schiter, alongside other medical experts, advised transferring Diego to a third-level rehabilitation center equipped with continuous medical care, nursing staff, and constant monitoring.
"The recommendation was made during that meeting. Our suggestion was for a third-level rehab center," he reiterated to the court.
Nevertheless, this recommendation was dismissed. "They returned and informed me that the proposal was rejected and that he would be placed under a home hospitalization system," Schiter revealed, noting he had no involvement in organizing that arrangement or knowledge of the attending doctors.
The doctor also disclosed that a Swiss Medical manager contacted him on November 4 or 5, 2020, shortly after Luque operated on Maradona, to seek his second opinion on the situation at Clínica Olivos.
"They wanted my perspective on the psychomotor agitation," he explained. However, he was denied a personal visit with the former footballer: "I asked if I could go in to give him a hug, and they advised against it."
Schiter further clarified he never interacted with Leopoldo Luque, identified as Maradona's primary physician: "I did not know Luque. I never conversed with him."
Regarding Maradona's heart condition, Schiter—who observed the autopsy—painted a severe and chronic picture.
"His heart was enlarged and exhibited signs of structural heart disease," he detailed, pointing out fibrosis, microinfarcts, and asymmetrical global cavity dilation.
He also noted the presence of fluid in the pericardium, pleura, and abdomen, which he interpreted as congestive heart failure.
"There was fluid in the pericardium, pleura, and abdomen. When similar fluid characteristics appear in various locations, it's indicative of congestive heart failure," he explained.
Schiter's association with Maradona dates back to 1999 when the footballer suffered acute cocaine intoxication in Punta del Este, Uruguay, leading to a severe ventricular arrhythmia known as "torsades de pointes."
It was then that Schiter was called upon to manage Diego's transfer to Buenos Aires and later accompany him during his rehabilitation in Cuba, establishing an intensive care setup onboard the aircraft due to the critical nature of the case.
"I had no contact with the patient from 2004 until 2020," the doctor specified.
This second oral trial, initiated last Wednesday in San Isidro, replaces the first, which was annulled in May 2025 due to the scandal involving former judge Julieta Makintach, who secretly filmed hearings for a documentary.
Seven healthcare professionals are facing charges of simple homicide with eventual intent, carrying sentences ranging from eight to 25 years in prison.
"The latent congestive heart failure means he could decompensate at any moment. There's no reason not to treat it for life," Schiter concluded in court.
Key Insights into Maradona's Health and Legal Proceedings
What concerns did Dr. Schiter raise about Maradona's post-surgery care?
Dr. Schiter criticized the decision to move Maradona to a private residence instead of a specialized facility after his surgery, emphasizing that he was not clinically discharged.
Why did Dr. Schiter believe a third-level rehabilitation center was necessary?
Schiter and other professionals recommended a third-level rehab center to ensure continuous medical care and monitoring, which they felt was essential for Maradona's recovery.
What heart condition details did Dr. Schiter reveal from the autopsy?
He described Maradona's heart as enlarged with structural heart disease signs, including fibrosis, microinfarcts, and asymmetrical cavity dilation, indicative of congestive heart failure.