Why is Maradona still pursued over a decades-old tax debt?

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Maradona Continues to Face Pursuit Over Decades-Old Tax Debt

Italian tax authorities are continuing to pursue football legend Diego Maradona over a €39 million debt, despite his claims that he was not personally responsible for the financial obligations incurred during his playing years in Italy. The debt stems from his tenure with Napoli between 1984 and 1991, with recent legal proceedings confirming a definitive sentence against him.
A Longstanding Tax Dispute

Maradona's tax issues date back to his highly successful period playing for Napoli. Initially, in 2005, he was ordered to pay €37.2 million, a sum that included €23.5 million in accrued interest. This significant amount highlights the long duration and compounding nature of the debt.
Legal Proceedings and Definitive Ruling

The legal battle has seen several phases, with Italian prosecutors resuming the trial from scratch in 2011. A crucial development occurred on January 10 of this year, when a court in Naples issued a definitive ruling, solidifying the legal standing of the debt. This final judgment means the previous proceedings have reached a conclusive stage.
Maradona's Disputation of the Debt

Despite the definitive ruling, Maradona has consistently disputed the debt, asserting that he was actively playing football during the period in question and that another individual was responsible for signing documents on his behalf. This defence suggests a potential claim of misrepresentation or lack of direct involvement in the financial transactions leading to the debt.
Formal Procedures Amidst Asset Claims

The service of papers by Italian tax agents is described as a formal procedure, primarily due to the 180-day validity of such documents, necessitating their renewal when Maradona is in Italy. While these papers theoretically provide a legal basis for seizing assets, sources indicate that Maradona does not possess any assets in Italy. This aspect suggests that the pursuit may be more symbolic or procedural than a direct attempt to recover funds from Italian holdings.

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Why is Maradona still pursued over a decades-old tax debt?

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