The ongoing effort to locate Bobby Moore's missing 1966 World Cup-winning shirt has received support from Terry Paine, one of the three surviving players from England's historic squad.
Paine, 87, appealed for whoever possesses the famous red jersey to return it to the family of the late captain. His backing comes as Moore's ex-wife, Tina Moore, pursues legal action in the High Court to reclaim the shirt. Paine, who played 19 times for England including a group match in the 1966 tournament, missed the final due to concussion.
Speaking from his home in Johannesburg, South Africa, Paine described Moore as 'a true gentleman' and stated, "Somebody clearly knows where Bobby’s shirt is and it is only right to do the right thing and get it back where it belongs, to Tina and her family." He added, "If Bobby never sold it – and it is clear Tina never did – clearly something has happened. It seems very straightforward that it must return to its rightful home."
Tina Moore expressed gratitude for Paine's support, saying, "Bobby’s shirt belongs back where he wanted it to be, with his family." She last saw the shirt decades ago in her attic after Moore gave it to her following their divorce, and its current whereabouts remain unknown.
The High Court case alleges that Neville Evans, a businessman from Wales and a dealer in sporting memorabilia, either possesses the shirt or knows its location. Mr. Evans has denied having the shirt or knowing where it is. His solicitors have stated that he acquired items lawfully and has no reason to believe he ever possessed Moore's 1966 shirt.
Moore's legal team asserts that regardless of possession, the shirt legally belongs to Tina Moore. This pursuit follows similar public calls for the shirt's return from Sir Geoff Hurst, a hat-trick scorer in the 1966 final.