Italian tax officials are persecuting Maradona. © EuroFootball.com

Italian tax officials are still pursuing Diego Maradona and threaten to disrupt his 50th birthday celebration in Naples. It is claimed that the Argentine could owe the state over 30 million euros. "Maradona owes money and 'Equitalia' is obliged to return it," the tax office statement said. "These are the funds that the former football star owes to the Italian government, and at the same time to all the people of the country." For his birthday in Naples, Maradona plans to play a friendly match.