Central Bank says court seeking information on Maradona's finances

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) -- Diego Maradona's money transfers and other transactions are being investigated by a court at the request of tax authorities.

The court has asked the bank to gather information from its affiliated institutions about Maradona's transfers, fixed deposits and other transactions since 2005. The Central Bank said Wednesday it was merely collecting information for the court and was not taking part in the investigation.

Maradona, who had no immediate comment, has had an ongoing dispute with Italian tax authorities, who say he owes $38.5 million in unpaid income taxes. The debt dates to a five-year period in the late 1980s when he played for Napoli. In June, Italian tax officials seeking to recover some of the debt confiscated two Rolex watches valued at $13,000 from Maradona, who was in the country for a benefit appearance.

Maradona led Argentina to the 1986 World Cup title and went on to become one of soccer's greatest players. In 2001, he was voted by FIFA as one of the greatest players in soccer history, alongside Brazil's Pele.

Updated on Wednesday, Mar 7, 2007 3:33 pm EST