Maradona’s Heirs Lose Bid to Halt Trophy Auction

A French court has ruled in favor of proceeding with the auction of Diego Maradona’s Golden Ball trophy from the 1986 World Cup, despite attempts by his heirs to halt the sale. The decision, revealed by the heirs’ lawyer Gilles Moreu to The Associated Press on Thursday, allows the auction to go ahead as scheduled.

Maradona’s family initiated an urgent judicial procedure to prevent the auction of the prestigious award, which the legendary footballer received for being the best player of the 1986 World Cup. However, the court’s ruling did not favor Maradona’s heirs. Lawyer Gilles Moreu expressed his intention to appeal the decision.

The trophy, which has been missing for decades, is set to be auctioned next Thursday in Paris by the Aguttes auction house. The Golden Ball reappeared in 2016, among other items acquired from a private collection. Maradona’s heirs argue that the trophy was stolen and claim that the current owner, identified as Mr. Benchaieb, has no right to sell it. Aguttes has yet to comment on the ruling.

Moreu stated that the president of the Nanterre court outside Paris ruled that Benchaieb should be considered as acting in good faith, noting that he was unaware the trophy had been stolen when he purchased it years ago.

“The Ballon d’Or is a unique piece of property, which Diego Maradona’s children want back,” Moreu said. “My clients are extremely saddened by the court’s decision.”

Maradona received the award in 1986 at a ceremony in Paris. The trophy subsequently disappeared under mysterious circumstances, with various rumors suggesting it was lost during a poker game, sold to pay off debts, or stolen from a bank safe in Naples in 1989. Maradona’s heirs believe it was stolen from the bank.

French judicial officials have launched an investigation into the resale of allegedly stolen goods. The Nanterre prosecutor’s office confirmed that the ongoing probe will not be influenced by Thursday’s court ruling.

Diego Maradona, who died in 2020 at age 60, captained Argentina to a 3-2 victory over West Germany in the 1986 World Cup final in Mexico City. He famously scored the “Hand of God” goal and the “Goal of the Century” in a quarterfinal win against England.

Aguttes auction house anticipates the trophy will fetch millions due to its historical significance and uniqueness. Bidders are required to make a deposit of 150,000 euros (US$161,000) to participate in the auction.

This ruling marks a significant development in the ongoing saga of Maradona’s Golden Ball trophy, as the football legend’s family continues to fight for its return.