FIFA World CUP: Football legend Diego Maradona’s ball, which he used to score two of the game’s most illustrious goals, is to go on auction. The match ball from the memorable 1986 World Cup quarterfinal between England and Argentina is valued at least 2.8 million dollars. Follow FIFA World CUP 2022 LIVE updates with InsideSport.IN
FIFA World CUP: Diego Maradona’s ‘Hand of God’ ball goes under the hammer on November 16th: Check DETAILS
- On November 16, the ball will be put up for auction.
- It’s anticipated to sell for between £2.5m and £3m.
- Right now, referee Ali Bin Nasser owns the ball.
The game, which is now remembered as one of the most significant and contentious matches in World Cup history, lasted the entire 90 minutes with the ball in play. Maradona scored the game’s first goal by punching the ball past England goalkeeper Peter Shilton.
The player afterward referred to the goal as being “a little with the head of Maradona and a little with the hand of God,” as Bin Nasser failed to notice the handball and allowed it to stand.
The second goal Maradona netted in the match, which he scored by dribbling past five England outfield players and slotting past Shilton, has come to be remembered as the “goal of the century.”
The ball is being sold by Tunisian referee Ali Bin Nasser, who officiated the match. “This ball is part of international football history – it feels like the right time to be sharing it with the world,” Bin Nasser said. “I hope the buyer is in a position to put it on display or share it with the public in some other way.”
Bidders can register and put online bids beginning on October 28. The auction, which will be hosted by auctioneers Graham Budd, will take place on November 16 as part of a World Cup special event.
According to Graham Budd, chairman of Graham Budd Auctions, “the timing of the match, the history between the two teams, and the handball have all led to this match going down as one of the most famous and emotive matches in football history.”
At recent auctions, a number of sports memorabilia set new records. A world record price of $9.3 million was paid in May for the shirt Maradona wore during the quarterfinal of 1986. A world record for any “game-worn” sporting memorabilia was set in September when Michael Jordan’s 1998 Nba finals jersey sold for $10.1.
FIFA World CUP: Diego Maradona’s ‘Hand of God’ ball goes under the hammer on November 16th: Check DETAILS
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