Bobby Moore's family is seeking clarity from memorabilia dealer Neville Evans regarding the whereabouts of the captain's iconic red shirt from England's 1966 World Cup victory. The family has initiated a High Court case against Evans, whom they believe either possesses the shirt or can assist in its recovery. Evans has stated he is not 'currently holding' the shirt, a declaration that has raised further questions for Moore's ex-wife, Tina Moore, and their daughter, Roberta Moore.
Tina Moore stated, "What does that mean, that he is not ‘currently holding’ it? I mean, he could physically be wearing the shirt, and still say he isn’t ‘holding’ it. We just want to know where the shirt is, and we want him to tell us what he knows."
Roberts Moore and her mother are determined to retrieve the jersey, which vanished from the attic of the family home more than 30 years ago. The shirt, considered a symbol of England's greatest football triumph, is estimated to be worth over £1 million. According to court documents, Evans is believed to have been in possession of the shirt. However, there is no suggestion that he acquired it unlawfully, a point acknowledged in Tina Moore's legal claim.
Neville Evans, a dealer in sporting memorabilia, has categorically denied having the shirt. In a statement issued through his solicitors, he said, "I do not have Bobby Moore’s 1966 shirt." He further stated, "He has never obtained any shirts in anything other than a lawful and reputable way, and he has no reason to believe he has ever acquired or been in possession of Bobby Moore’s 1966 shirt, either now or at any other time. Mr Evans does not know where Bobby Moore’s 1966 shirt is."
Tina Moore's legal team has questioned Evans's precise wording, noting that stating he is not 'currently holding' the shirt could imply it is owned but stored elsewhere. The shirt, along with the yellow jersey Bobby Moore famously swapped with Brazil legend Pelé at the 1970 World Cup, was last seen in a leather bag in the attic of the house shared by Bobby and Tina Moore. When they divorced in 1986, Moore gave Tina his memorabilia.
In 2021, the Football Association informed the family that the red jersey had been discovered and photographed for a book about England shirts. The family saw images of the missing shirt but were unable to identify who possessed it. It was discovered that one of the book's authors was Neville Evans, who curates the National Football Shirt Collection.
Sir Geoff Hurst, a teammate of Bobby Moore and hat-trick hero of the 1966 final, has publicly supported the family's campaign to find the shirt. The family has appealed for public assistance in locating the missing jersey, with any information to be treated in confidence.