The family of Bobby Moore, captain of England's 1966 World Cup-winning team, has initiated a High Court case to recover his iconic red No. 6 jersey, which has been missing for decades. Tina Moore, the former footballer's first wife, has filed a claim against Neville Evans, a Welsh businessman and football memorabilia dealer, asserting he possesses or can help locate the shirt.
Legal Proceedings and Claims
The High Court filing states that Mr. Evans, 61, of Aberystwyth, is believed to have been in possession of the shirt. Tina Moore maintains legal ownership, as the jersey disappeared from her attic years ago. She and her daughter, Roberta Moore, 61, are determined to resolve the mystery of the missing garment. The red shirt is considered a symbol of England's greatest footballing achievement and is estimated to be worth over £1 million.
According to court documents, the shirt, along with another historic jersey—a yellow one gifted by Brazil legend Pelé from the 1970 World Cup—was last seen over 30 years ago in a leather bag in the attic of the home Bobby and Tina Moore shared. When they divorced in 1986, Bobby Moore gave Tina his memorabilia, including his shirts, medals, trophies, and his OBE.
In 2021, the Football Association informed the Moore family that the England shirt had been 'found' in the hands of a private buyer and had been photographed for a book. However, neither the FA, the book's publishers, nor its authors could identify the owner. One of the book's authors was Neville Evans, who owns the National Football Shirt Collection.
Subsequently, the family complained about the shirt's ownership. The unknown holder reportedly became concerned and withdrew the shirt from the book, after which it vanished again. In 2023, another author of the book stated the shirt was 'no longer under the same ownership' and its current whereabouts were unknown. In 2024, a source claimed to have seen the shirt at Mr. Evans's mansion in Wales.
Neville Evans's Response
Mr. Evans has denied currently holding the 1966 shirt. In a statement, he said, "I do not have the shirt, and I categorically deny that any of the shirts that I own have been obtained in anything other than an entirely lawful and reputable way." He added that he takes "deep pride in my collection" and feels "victimised" by the allegations, vowing to defend the court case vigorously. He stated that the courts are the appropriate venue for resolution and declined further comment.
If Mr. Evans does not file a defense, he could be ordered by default to return the shirt if in his possession or pay its value.
Bobby Moore died of cancer in 1993 at the age of 51. His daughter Roberta stated the shirt is "deeply precious" to both her and her mother, and rightfully belongs to Tina. She urged Mr. Evans to come forward if he has the shirt or knows its whereabouts, noting that the family had "no option but to take this step."