Maradona’s diamond sells for 25K at tax auction

Diego Maradona\'s diamond earring was sold for 25,000 euros at an auction today to help pay off his 37 million euros Italian tax bill.



An unidentified woman purchased the earring, which was valued at 5,500 euros at the auction in a Bolzano hotel.



Tax police seized the earring in September when the Argentina coach was at a hotel in northern Italy, where he was being treated for weight gain and stress.



Maradona\'s Italian debts stem from unpaid taxes during the time he played for Napoli from 1984-1991, when he helped the club win its only two Series ‘A’ titles.



Lombardo called the auction a \"drop in the bucket\" of Maradona\'s debts, but says it sent a message that even celebrities have to pay taxes.



In 2006, tax police took two Rolex watches from Maradona when he went to a Naples suburb for a news conference and benefit appearance.



Authorities also seized the payment Maradona received for an appearance on Italian state TV.