Mediation fails between Maradona and ex on 'missing' £4.5

The case is now expected to go to court.

"The mediation session is over," Villafane's lawyer Fernando Burlando told reporters.

"We will see what Maradona and his counsel want to do. The case may go to court, here or in the United States."

The public row has split the family.

Maradona, 54, says the funds were taken from several of his Argentinian and foreign bank accounts.

Villafane is the mother of his two daughters Dalma and Gianinna.

Villafane, 53, launched the divorce proceedings. She manages her ex-husband's assets so that she can keep the estate that goes to her daughters, who have backed their mother.

Maradona receives funds tied to his activities as honorary sports ambassador of Dubai and has invested some of the money in the United States.