Italy to freeze Diego Maradona assets in pursuit of €39m tax debt

Italy’s tax collection agency says it has informed  Diego Maradona that it will begin procedures to freeze his assets in Italy to pay off his tax debt of 39 million euros.

Equitalia confirmed news reports saying its agents had served Maradona with the notification in his Milan hotel room, and that he signed the documentation. The Argentine great was in Italy to promote a video series on his life and watch his old club Napoli play Roma on Friday.

Maradona’s Italian debts stem from alleged unpaid taxes during the time he played for Napoli from 1984-91, when he helped the club win its only two Serie A titles. Earlier today, he announced he would one like to return to the club as coach.

In previous visits to Italy, tax police have confiscated two Rolex watches and a diamond earring from Maradona.

A source at the Equitalia tax recovery agency said the move was simply formal procedure since the papers only have a 180-day validity and therefore have to be renewed whenever Maradona is in Italy.

A relief for Maradona, but the Napoli job just might have to wait for the time being.