The countdown has begun to the auctioning of the actual ball Argentine football star Diego Maradona controversially scored using “the hand of God” in the 1986 World Cup.
That goal was one of two that Maradona scored when Argentina beat England 21 on their way to claiming the coveted World Cup.
The rather worn ball, which was in the possession of Tunisian ref Ali Bin Nasser – the match referee, goes under the hammer in a fortnight and is expected to fetch more than £3 million.
Auctioneer Graham Budd has described the ball as an “absolutely exceptional piece” that has drawn multiple estimated prices.
Almost anythings possible at auction… which is why its so exciting,” Budd said this week.
Earlier this year in May, a jersey said to have been worn by Maradona during the same tournament was sold at an auction for $9.3 million the highest price yet fetched by a piece of sports memorabilia.
Maradona died in 2020 at the age of 60.
