Diego Maradona has accused his ex-wife Claudia Villafane of stealing nearly $9 million from his bank accounts.

The 54-year-old Argentine soccer legend said during a live TV show on Canal America that Claudia Villafane, his childhood sweetheart, was “a thief”.

“If she did what we fear she did, unfortunately she will have to go to jail,” Diego Maradona said.

Claudia Villafane denies any wrongdoing.

Diego Maradona and Claudia Villafane met in a poor neighborhood of Buenos Aires before he rose to fame.

Their two daughters – Dalma and Giannina – posted messages on Twitter supporting Claudia Villafane.

Diego Maradona led Argentina to the World Cup victory in 1986, and is regarded by soccer fans and experts as one of the greatest players of all time.