Maradona’s cremation delayed as judge rules it ‘must be conserved’ for DNA paternity tests

Diego Maradona's cremation will be postponed as his body may be required for DNA tests

Credit: SAEED KHAN /AFP

An Argentine court has ordered a halt to plans to cremate Diego Maradona’s body while one of the multiple paternity claims to his estate is dealt with.

Since the footballing legend’s death last month, at least half a dozen people who say they are his offspring have lodged lawsuits seeking shares of his inheritance.

A court has now ruled that Maradona’s body, currently in a private cemetery near Buenos Aires, cannot be cremated until forensic tests have been done relating to a claim from Magalí Gil, a 25-year-old Italian.

Ms Gil, who was adopted, says her birth mother contacted her two years ago to say that her father "may be Diego Maradona".

She posted a video on Instagram saying she was entitled to know "if Diego Maradona is my biological father or not".

Diego Maradona of Napoli plays with his daughter Dalma after a training at the Centro Paradiso di Soccavo on 1988 in Naples

Credit: Etsuo Hara /Getty Images Europe 

The court’s decision comes despite Maradona’s lawyers saying his DNA is already on file. It may have been in anticipation of further claimants coming forward.

The former Napoli striker, who died aged 60, is thought to have left anything up to $40m in his estate, including a Rolls Royce, a £300,000 diamond ring, and the rights to lucrative merchandising contracts.

He also left a three-tonne amphibious vehicle gifted to him in Belarus, a Harry Kane shirt, and a contract that allows computer giant Komani to use his likeness in one of its football video games.

However, Maradona ran up considerable debts through tax avoidance, chaotic business dealings, and drug abuse, which could mean his estate now being worth a fraction of previous estimates.

Whatever is left will also have to be divided among at least five acknowledged children, three ex-lovers, and four of his sisters who have likewise put in legal claims. A number of former business partners, including former soccer managers, also say they are owed money.