(Football news) The match ball used in the famous 1986 World Cup quarter final between England and Argentina will soon go to auction for an estimated price of £2.5m to £3m. Tunisian referee Ali Bin Nasser, who allowed the goal to stand in the final, will be selling the ball, which was used for the full 90 minutes of the match. In what can be considered one of the most controversial moments in the history of the sport, Maradona punched the ball past England goalkeeper Peter Shilton to score the opening goal.

Speaking about the ball, Ali Bin Nasser said “This ball is part of football history – it is the right time to be sharing it with the world." The Tunisian has insisted that he did not spot the handball which is why he allowed the goal to stand with the player describing it as "a little with the head of Maradona and a little with the hand of God". The Argentine’s second goal was known as the 'goal of the century' as he dribbled past five England outfield players and slotted past Shilton. The result meant that Argentina secured a 2-1 victory over England and went on to lift the World Cup. 

As part of a special World Cup event, the ball will be sold in auction on November 16th and will be streamed live while prospective buyers can table their offers online from 28th October. Graham Budd, chairman of Graham Budd Auctions said “The timing of the match, the history between the two teams and the handball have all led to this match going down as one of the most famous and emotive matches in football history. With the history surrounding the ball, we are expecting this lot to be hugely popular when it comes up for auction." 

Several sporting memorabilia have broken records in recent months with Maradona’s 1986 quarter-final jersey selling for $9.3m (£7.4m), setting a new world record which was beaten three months later when a Mickey Mantle baseball card sold for $12.6m (£10.3m). If that wasn’t all, Michael Jordan's 1998 NBA finals jersey was sold in September for $10.1 (£8.7m), setting a new world record for any 'game worn' sporting memorabilia.

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