The effort to locate Bobby Moore's missing World Cup-winning shirt has received the endorsement of Terry Paine, one of the three surviving members of England's 1966 squad. Paine, an 87-year-old former winger, appealed for the return of the famous red jersey.
Paine, who played 19 times for England and featured in the 1966 group match against Mexico, expressed his hope that the current holder of the shirt would cooperate with Tina Moore, Bobby Moore's first wife. "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," Paine stated from his home in Johannesburg.
Tina Moore has initiated legal proceedings in the High Court against Neville Evans, a businessman from Wales, alleging that he possesses the shirt or has knowledge of its whereabouts. Evans has denied having the shirt, stating he has never held it and does not know its location. His legal representatives have asserted that he has acquired memorabilia lawfully and has no reason to believe he ever possessed Moore's 1966 shirt.
Ms. Moore last saw the shirt in her attic decades ago, after Moore gave it to her following their divorce. She is unsure how or when it went missing. Her legal team maintains that regardless of its current possessor, the shirt legally belongs to her.
Sir Geoff Hurst, the hat-trick hero of the 1966 final, has also urged whoever has the shirt to return it to the Moore family. Paine, reflecting on the 60 years since the victory, commented on the ongoing legal action, suggesting that if a gentleman is being pursued in court, he should explain the situation to Ms. Moore.
England's national team is currently competing in a tournament, with the current captain Harry Kane and his teammates facing France. Paine's remarks come as the team navigates a challenging period after a semi-final defeat.