Bobby Moore's family is seeking answers and the return of the iconic red No. 6 shirt worn by the captain during England's 1966 World Cup victory, which went missing under mysterious circumstances. Tina Moore, Bobby Moore's ex-wife, and their daughter Roberta Moore have initiated High Court proceedings against Neville Evans, a Welsh businessman and sports memorabilia dealer.
Court documents state that Evans 'is, or was, in possession of the shirt, or can help her recover it.' Evans denies having the shirt and issued a statement asserting he is not 'currently holding' it. This declaration has been met with confusion by Moore's family.
Tina Moore expressed her bewilderment at Evans's statement, questioning its meaning and suggesting that not 'currently holding' it could imply various scenarios, including having it stored elsewhere. "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," she stated.
Legal Action and Denials
Tina Moore's legal claim explicitly states she does not allege that Mr. Evans acquired the shirt illicitly or in bad faith. Evans, who deals in sports memorabilia, has maintained his innocence through his solicitors. "I do not have Bobby Moore’s 1966 shirt," Evans stated via his solicitors. "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."
Evans's legal team has indicated they do not intend to engage in a prolonged correspondence with the press, deeming it improper. He has vowed to 'vigorously' defend himself in the court proceedings.
The Missing Jersey's History
The red No. 6 shirt is considered a significant artifact in British sporting history, with an estimated value exceeding £1 million. It was last seen over 30 years ago in a leather bag in the attic of the house shared by Bobby and Tina Moore in Essex. Following their divorce in 1986, Bobby Moore transferred all his memorabilia, including his shirts, medals, and trophies, to Tina.
In 2021, the Football Association informed the Moore family that the shirt had been 'found' and photographed for a book about England shirts. Although the family saw images of the missing jersey, neither the FA, the book's publishers, nor its authors could identify its current holder. It was revealed that one of the book's authors was Neville Evans, who owns the National Football Shirt Collection.
The collection also included another historic jersey: the yellow shirt given to Moore by Brazilian legend Pelé after their match in the 1970 World Cup. The Moore family believes both shirts may have been kept together in the same bag.
Tina, 83, and Roberta, 61, are determined to locate the shirt, especially with England's current squad competing in the World Cup.
