The Aguttes auction house in Paris announced the suspension of the sale of Diego Armando Maradona's Ballon d'Or, which he won for the 1986 World Cup, following claims from the footballer's family that it is stolen property.

Aguttes decided to suspend the auction, which was scheduled for June 6, despite a French court's ruling on Thursday that allowed it to proceed, rejecting an appeal from Maradona's family.

In a statement, Maximilien Aguttes, one of the auction house's officials, explained that their mission is to organize sales "under the best conditions for our seller as well as for the buyers."

However, he acknowledged that the current "litigious climate" and "uncertainties" prevent enthusiasts from approaching this acquisition with peace of mind, and they cannot properly guarantee their role as a trusted party.

Aguttes noted that despite the favorable ruling from the Nanterre Judicial Court, which they welcomed, Maradona's heirs have decided to file an appeal, and a parallel criminal investigation is ongoing.

Nevertheless, with the auction postponed, Aguttes invited interested buyers, including those who hadn't yet come forward, to express their interest so they can be kept informed about the next steps of the sale.

There was speculation that Maradona's award could exceed 10 million euros and become the most expensive sports item in history.

The Nanterre Judicial Court sided with Aguttes, deeming that the seller acted "in good faith" when purchasing the trophy at a secondary auction in 2016 for a paltry sum

Maradona's family claims the Ballon was stolen from a Naples bank in the late '80s along with other possessions of Maradona. It had been missing until it surfaced in 2016 when the current seller bought it, reportedly unaware that it was Maradona's Ballon d'Or.

The lawyer emphasized that Aguttes is aware they are in contact with the lawyer who, in 1989, assisted Maradona's then-wife, Claudia Villafañe, in reporting the theft of the Ballon d'Or.

"The argument that the Ballon wasn't stolen falls apart," Moreu asserted.

In parallel to the heirs' legal proceedings, the French Central Office for the Fight against Trafficking in Cultural Property is investigating whether there was any criminal act of "concealment of stolen property" by the collector.