Argentine football legend Diego Maradona arrived in Italy this evening and was informed by tax police waiting for him at Fiumicino airport that he was being investigated for an alleged tax fraud of around 9.85 million dollars.
The 40-year-old, who almost singlehandedly inspired Argentina to the 1986 World Cup trophy, arrived on a flight via Madrid from Buenos Aires but around 20 officers were waiting for him and asked him discreetly to accompany them to an office where the papers were served, ANSAnews agency reported.
Maradona, who only last month was voted alongside Brazilian legend Pele as the greatest footballer in the 20th Century, had to sign a document saying he had been served with the claim and then left, clearly upset by the turn of events.
The Argentinian, who last year recovered from severe heart problems, was in Italy to promote a series of commemorative medals for his 40th birthday in a commercial deal and was also due to speak on a popular Italian television programme from the Hilton Hotel.
It has also been speculated that Maradona will attend his former club side Napoli's first division game with Verona on Sunday but that is yet to be confirmed as are suggestions he will meet club director Corrado Ferlaino to discuss a possible role with the club he led to two Italian titles.
AFP