The soccer ball used in the 1986 World Cup quarter-final between Argentina and England, on the day of the famous ‘Hand of God’ goal, is going up for auction next month, according to the BBC. While any ball used in such an important match would be historically significant, this one in particular is one of the most important balls of all time in the sport.
Argentine legend Diego Maradona scored both of his team’s goals in the match. His first, famous or infamous, depending on who you ask, was the ‘Hand of God’. Maradona jumped up and used his hand on his head. The ball deflected over England goalkeeper Peter Shilton to put the ball into the back of the net.
Although the England team protested the goal, referee Ali Bin Nasser allowed it to count. Argentina won the match. Ultimately, Argentina won the World Cup, beating Germany in the final.
Bin Nasser kept the ball after the match and has kept it for 36 years. However, the referee has now decided to sell the infamous ball. “This ball is part of football history, it is the right time to share it with the world,” said Bin Nasser.
Clearly, the referee missed the opportunity to disallow the goal. However, bin Nasser maintains that he did not have a good view of the hand and the ball. “Regarding Maradona’s first goal, I couldn’t see the incident clearly, the two players [Peter] Shilton and Maradona were looking at me from behind,” Bin Nasser said.
Hand of God ball goes up for auction
The match used the same ball for the full 90 minutes. Graham Budd Auctions plans to hold the sale on November 16. Four days later, the 2022 World Cup begins. Estimates value the ‘Hand of God’ ball at around $3 million for auction.
“The timing of the match, the history between the two teams and handball have made this match one of the most famous and emotional matches in football history,” said Graham Budd, president of the auction company.
“With the history surrounding the ball, we expect this lot to be very popular when it comes up for auction.”
PHOTO: IMAGO/ANP
