A court in Argentina has declared a mistrial in the case of seven health professionals accused of negligence in the death of soccer legend Diego Maradona. The decision was made after one of the three judges overseeing the trial, Julieta Makintach, stepped down over criticism surrounding her participation in a documentary series about the case.

Judge Maximiliano Savarino said in declaring the mistrial that “Judge Makintach did not act impartially. Her conduct caused harm to both the plaintiffs and the defense.” He added that “the only person responsible is the recused judge” and described the decision as “unpleasant.”

The case accuses Maradona’s medical team of failing to provide adequate care for the soccer star in the weeks leading up to his sudden death on November 25, 2020. Maradona died at age 60 from cardiac arrest while recovering from surgery for a blood clot on the brain at a rented home outside Buenos Aires.

The defendants, who deny all accusations, were charged with culpable homicide, a crime similar to involuntary manslaughter. They include Leopoldo Luque, Maradona’s primary physician at the time of his death, as well as his psychologist, psychiatrist, medical coordinator, and nurses. The crime carries a maximum penalty of 25 years in prison.

The trial, which began on March 11, had been expected to last until July. However, the mistrial declaration has thrown the timeline into doubt. A higher court will select three new judges by lottery “within a reasonable period of time” to oversee the new trial.

Maradona’s daughters, Gianinna and Dalma, began to weep at the courthouse upon hearing the decision. The soccer star’s legacy continues to be felt, and the outcome of the trial will be closely watched by fans around the world.