ROME (AP) — First it was his watches. Then his earrings. Now, Diego Maradona’s 50th birthday presents might end up in the hands of Italy’s tax collection agency.
Maradona is hoping to play a birthday game at his old stadium in Naples next month, but collection agency Equitalia issued a statement Tuesday noting that “the fact that Maradona was a great footballer and is still loved by fans doesn’t make his situation different from other tax payers.”
Maradona’s Italian debts stem from unpaid taxes during the time he played for Napoli from 1984-91, when he helped the club win its only two Serie A titles.
In previous visits to Italy in recent years, tax police have confiscated two Rolex watches and a diamond earring from Maradona.
Maradona turns 50 on Oct. 30.
