A French court has ruled that the auction of the Golden Ball trophy awarded to the late Diego Maradona after the 1986 World Cup can proceed as planned, despite opposition from his heirs. The court's decision, which was not in favor of Maradona's heirs, allows the trophy to be auctioned by the Aguttes auction house in Paris next Thursday.
The Golden Ball trophy, which Maradona received for being the best player of the 1986 World Cup, had been missing for decades before resurfacing recently. Maradona's heirs claim the trophy was stolen and argue that the current owner, identified as Mr. Benchaieb, does not have the right to sell it. However, the court considered the current owner to be acting in good faith.
Benchaieb and Aguttes maintain that when the trophy was purchased years ago, they were unaware that it had been stolen. The trophy's disappearance after the 1986 ceremony at the Lido cabaret in Paris led to various rumors, including suggestions that it was lost during a poker game or sold to settle debts. Some believe Maradona stored it in a Naples bank safe that was later robbed by local gangsters.
Maradona's heirs expressed surprise and disappointment at the court's ruling and plan to explore all available legal options before the auction on June 6. The trophy, expected to fetch millions due to its uniqueness, will require bidders to make a deposit of 150,000 euros ($161,000) to participate.
Diego Maradona, who passed away in 2020 at the age of 60, captained Argentina to victory in the 1986 World Cup final against West Germany in Mexico City. His iconic 'Hand of God' goal and the 'Goal of the Century' in a quarterfinal match against England remain etched in football history.
The auction of the Golden Ball trophy has stirred controversy and legal battles, shedding light on the trophy's mysterious journey since its disappearance and subsequent reappearance in 2016.
