Maradona heirs loose legal battle as Golden Ball Trophy set for Auction in Paris

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A French court has ruled that the auction of a trophy awarded to Diego Maradona after the 1986 World Cup can proceed, despite objections from his heirs.

Maradona's heirs attempted to halt the auction of the Golden Ball, which he received for being the best player in the 1986 World Cup. But they have lost the legal battle as of now.

Gilles Moreu, the lawyer representing Maradona's heirs, told The Associated Press that the court's ruling "was not favourable to the heirs of Diego Maradona." The auction is scheduled for next Thursday in Paris, conducted by the Aguttes auction house.

The Golden Ball disappeared under uncertain circumstances and only resurfaced recently. Maradona's heirs allege that the trophy was stolen and the current owner has no right to sell it. Aguttes explained that the trophy reappeared in 2016 among other private collection in Paris.

Moreu said that the president of the Nanterre court considered the current owner, identified as Mr. Benchaieb, "should be considered as acting in good faith." Benchaieb and Aguttes claimed he was unaware the trophy was stolen when he purchased it.

Maradona's heirs believe the trophy was stolen from a Naples bank in 1989. They are both "surprised and saddened" by the ruling.

"We intend to use all available means of recourse between now and June 6," Moreu said.

Diego Maradona, who passed away in 2020 at age 60, captained Argentina in its 3-2 win over West Germany in the 1986 final in Mexico City. He scored the famous "Hand of God" goal and the "Goal of the Century" in a quarterfinal win over England.

Aguttes expects the trophy "to fetch millions due to its uniqueness." Bidders must deposit 150,000 euros (USD 161,000) to participate in the auction. This anticipated high value reflects the trophy's significance and history.