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1
500,000 GBP
GBP
2,500,000 - 3,000,000 GBP
Live auction
Lot closed
Lot location
-

THE "HAND OF GOD" FOOTBALL
"Un poco con la cabeza de Maradona, y un poco con la mano de Dios" – Diego Maradona, 22nd June 1986 [a little with the head of Maradona, and a little with the hand of God]

The match ball used for the Argentina v England FIFA World Cup Quarter-Final played at the Estadio Azteca, Mexico City, 22nd June 1986,
offered with a signed letter of provenance from the Tunisian FIFA match referee Ali Bin Nasser; and an independently verified authenticity report from the company Resolution Photomatching


the white Adidas Azteca ball is formed of 32 pentagonal panels with a sinuous black & white design inspired by the architecture and murals of the Aztec Civilisation that flourished in central Mexico through the 14th to the 16th centuries. The curvature of the Aztec motifs also acts to frame a series of white discs reserved for the printing of the Adidas branding and confirmation the Azteca is the official ball of the 1986 World Cup.
The FIFA 1986 World Cup, Mexico, saw the introduction of the first polyurethane coated, rain-resistant, entirely non-leather synthetic match ball, designed for enhanced qualities on hard, rough and wet surfaces. The Azteca was hand-sewn and consisted of an outer polyurethane wearing coat and three lower layers, which mutually complemented one another with varying structures Adidas termed “Adicron.” These were intended to ensure the ball’s resistance, ability to retain its shape and be waterproof. Adidas were rising to the challenge of producing a high-performance football at World Cup venues staged at high-altitude on sun-baked pitches where turf management is extremely challenging, but at a date in the calendar that coincided with the beginnings of Mexico’s rainy season. The Adidas Azteca represented a massive leap forward for the game.


An additional consideration is that in an era before the multi-ball system, the one match ball was used for the full 90 minutes - which was the case with the ball being offered here which was used for the entirety of the Argentina v England quarter-final, and which is reflected by the various scuffs and marks the ball endured during the game. After 36 years the ball is also partially deflated. Buyers should seek professional conservation advice before attempting to re-inflate the ball.

The match ball from the Argentina v England 1986 World Cup Quarter-Final is of  truly extraordinary importance. It was the ball used in a match that produced the most controversial goal in football history, the Argentinean goalscorer Maradona citing divine intervention through the "Hand of God"; then 3 minutes 49 seconds later Maradona's "Goal of the 20th Century" as voted for in a FIFA poll; and additionally a goal that secured England striker Gary Lineker the "Golden Boot" as top goalscorer at Mexico '86.

The 2nd half of the match will be remembered eternally for two moments that perfectly define the flawed genius of the Argentine footballer Diego Maradona. In the 51st minute Maradona passed the ball to Valdano and then then staying onside raced into the penalty area for the Valdoano's return centre which was deflected by England's Steve Hodge high across the face of the goal. England goalkeeper and captain came off his line to punch the ball to safety, but was only to feel fresh air as the diminutive Maradona seemingly outjumped the airborne goalkeeper and the ball nestled in the England net. Nowadays the goal would have been disallowed with referee's benefiting from the assistance of VAR technology, as TV playback confirmed clearly that Maradona had illegally used his left hand to push the ball into the goal. Referee Ali Bin Nasser is on record as saying that from the angle he was positioned with many players in his sight line, he did not see the incident. He did however look towards his red flag linesman, Bogdan Dochev, but the Bulgarian was making his way back to the halfway line for the game to restart. Ali Bin Nasser had no choice but to allow the goal to stand.

Under four minutes later Maradona displayed the unrivalled genius of his ability as a footballer. He scored a virtuoso goal that in 1999 was voted Goal of the 20th Century in a FIFA poll. Eleven touches and eleven seconds of greatness weaved over 68 metres of pitch. British match reporter Mike Payne described the goal: "To say he ran rings round England would be too simple a description of a goal that stands comparison with the very best scored anywhere at any time. Running with the ball at his feet from inside his own half, Maradona drew England players to him like a spider luring his prey. Peter Reid, Peter Beardsley, Kenny Sansom, Terry Butcher and Terry Fenwick all came into his web and were left in a tangle behind him as he accelerated past their attempted tackles. It was then Maradona versus Shilton again, this time on the ground. He sold the goalkeeper an outrageous dummy that left Shilton scrambling for a shot that was never made, and then nonchalantly prodded the ball into the empty net for a goal of breath-taking beauty. It was a moment of magnificence that sweetened the sour taste left by Maradona's first goal. Well, almost!"

In the 81st minute England were given hope when the excellent John Barnes, on as a substitute, did superbly well to allow himself to cross from the left and for Gary Lineker to head home from close range. Alas, it was not to be the start of a glorious revival. Argentina won the match and would progress to the final where they would beat West Germany to be crowned World Champions. Lineker's goal, however, his sixth of the tournament secured the Englishman the prestigious Golden Boot trophy.

Earlier in the year in May England footballer Steve Hodge, who had swapped shirts with Maradona, sold the Argentinian's Hand of God Shirt at auction for US$9.3million, setting a new World Record for an item of sports memorabilia. However, 2022 has been an extraordinary year for sports memorabilia with the Maradona shirt price now twice exceeded. Michael Jordan's "The Last Dance" basketball jersey fetched US$10.1million; whilst an ultra-rare Mickey Mantle baseball card set a new market high of US$12.6million. The current World Record auction price for a sports ball is the US$3.0million paid for Mark McGwire's 70th home run baseball, a record that has stood since January 1999.

IMPORTANT VAT NOTICE TO BUYERS:
This lot (LOT 295) is to be sold whilst subject to Temporary Importation to the UK. The hammer price will be subject to Import VAT at the reduced rate of 5%. The Buyer’s Premium is subject to VAT at the standard rate of 20%. These taxes are charged to the Buyer but are not applicable if the Buyer exports the lot outside of the UK.
Bidders are responsible for all import duties, customs charges, and VAT payable in the destination country. Customs declarations will be based on the final hammer price of winning bids without exception.

World Cup Special Auction
Live
Venue address
Unit 18 Leyland Trading Estate
Irthlingborough Road
Wellingborough
Northamptonshire
NN8 1RT
United Kingdom
World Cup Special Auction

World Cup Special includes, programmes, posters, tickets, badges, clothing, medals, jersey's, boots and footballs.

Auction dates
16 Nov 2022 10:00 GMT
Lots: 1 to 382
Viewing dates
By appointment only
Auction currency
GBP
Accepted cards
Other payment methods

Collections and Shipping Logistics

On receipt of cleared funds, lots can be collected from our storage facility in Wellingborough.

Please contact the auctioneer for the full details and to make a timed appointment.

Alternatively, we can organise packing for postage and shipment on a worldwide basis. Please contact us for a quote. On occasions due to high value, complicated customs arrangements or for the need of highly specialised packing, we will recommend a third-party professional packer and shipper.

All glass will be removed from framed and glazed items prior to posting and may result in delays to shipping your items. (This service is included in the cost of postage and packing). We can also totally remove all framing and mounts upon request to reduce shipping costs. Alternatively, lots can be collected in person by prior appointment from NN8 1RT.  

Overseas Bidders are responsible for all import duties, customs charges and VAT payable in the destination country.

Customs declarations will be based on the final hammer price of winning bids without exception.

We are currently seeing unprecedented delays in customs clearance times around the world, it is not uncommon for this to take several weeks and unfortunately we cannot do anything to expedite the process or be held responsible for any delays. 

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR BIDDERS & BUYERS

1. Conditions of Business

All lots are offered subject to Graham Budd Auctions Ltd Conditions of Business which can be viewed in full at our website www.grahambuddauctions.co.uk

2. The Auction

The auction is being conduct as a live stream broadcast.

3. Conduct of the Auction

The auctioneer will commence the bidding and advance the bidding in such increments as he considers appropriate. The contract between the buyer and the seller is concluded on the striking of the auctioneer's hammer. The auctioneer shall have discretion to refuse bids, withdraw or re-offer for lots for sale (including after the fall of the hammer) if he believes that there may have been an error or dispute, and may also take such other action as he reasonably deems necessary. Title in a lot will not pass to the buyer until Graham Budd Auctions has received the purchase price in cleared funds. Remedies for non-payment are stated in our Conditions of Business which can be viewed in full at our website www.grahambuddauctions.co.uk 

4. Pre-Sale Viewing

We are offering pre-sale viewing of lots at our Wellingborough premises.

This is strictly by a pre-arranged timed appointment to be requested by email. 

The last opportunity to view lots at our premises is Monday 14th of November.

5. Condition Reports

Any requests for condition reports or additional photographs must be received by email by Monday 14th of November.

It is recommended that prospective Bidders inspect the lots on which they intend to bid, we accept bids from potential Buyers on the basis that Buyers (or their advisors) have fully accepted the lot prior to bidding and have satisfied themselves prior to bidding in relation to the condition and accuracy of the description of the lot.

6. Overseas Bidders 

Are responsible for all import duties, customs charges, and VAT payable in the destination country. Customs declarations will be based on the final hammer price of winning bids without exception.

We are currently seeing unprecedented delays in customs clearance times around the world, it is not uncommon for this to take several weeks, and unfortunately we cannot do anything to expedite the process or be held responsible for any delays. 

7. Collections and Shipping Logistics

On receipt of cleared funds, lots can be collected from our storage facility in Wellingborough. Please contact the auctioneer for the full details and to make a timed appointment.

Alternatively, we can organise packing for postage and shipment on a worldwide basis. Please contact us for a quote.

On occasions due to high value, complicated customs arrangements or for the need of highly specialised packing, we will recommend a third-party professional packer and shipper.

All glass will be removed from framed and glazed items prior to posting and may result in delays to shipping your items. (This service is included in the cost of postage and packing). We can also totally remove all framing and mounts upon request to reduce shipping costs.

Alternatively, lots can be collected in person by prior appointment from NN8 1RT.    

Overseas Bidders are responsible for all import duties, customs charges and VAT payable in the destination country.

Customs declarations will be based on the final hammer price of winning bids without exception.

We are currently seeing unprecedented delays in customs clearance times around the world, it is not uncommon for this to take several weeks and unfortunately we cannot do anything to expedite the process or be held responsible for any delays. 

8. Bidding

Bidders will be required to register online before the auction commences in order to place a absentee bid or book a telephone line on any lot with the Auction House or bid on the Online Platforms.

A form of governement-issued proof of identification (photograhpic identification with proof of current address) will be required at the time of registration, for all Absentee, Telephone and Online Bidding.

Lots will only be invoiced to the name and address on the bid registration form and cannot be transferred to another name and address. We can only accept payment for the lot from the registered Bidder. 

9. Absentee Bidding

If you are unable or do not wish to bid live on the auction day, we accept absentee bids and the Saleroom & Invaluable online bidding platforms both accept absentee bids.

You will be required to declare your maximum limit, but the auctioneer will try and achieve the most inexpensive price for you subject always to the reserve price and competition from other bidders.

10. Telephone Bidding

As an alternative, there will be a telephone bidding service for the auction. Contact the auctioneer directly to book a telephone line at least 48 hours prior to the auction.

11. Buyer’s Premium and VAT

The final selling bid at auction is known as the ‘hammer price'.

For bidders who have registered for the sale directly at Graham Budd Auctions, including for Live Internet Bidding, a buyer’s premium of 24% of the hammer price will be charged.

Bidders who registered directly at the-saleroom.com will be charged a 4.95% Internet bidders’ surcharge. 

Both the buyer’s premium and the internet surcharge are subject to VAT at the current rate of 20%.

An example for a lot purchased at £100 hammer for buyers who registered directly at Graham Budd Auctions, including for Live internet bidding, would be as follows:

£100 hammer
£24.00 Buyer’s Premium
£4.80 VAT (20% of £24.00)

TOTAL INVOICE: £128.80

An example for a lot purchased at £100 hammer for buyers who registered directly at the-saleroom.com would be as follows:

£100 hammer
£24.00 Buyer’s Premium
£4.95 Internet Surcharge
£5.79 VAT (20% of £28.95)

TOTAL INVOICE: £134.74

12. VAT in respect of non-UK buyers

Buyers from outside of the UK, including EU countries, are not required to pay VAT on their purchases on condition that the goods are being shipped overseas and will not remain in the United Kingdom. Under these circumstances buyers will receive an export invoice which will not contain any VAT element.

An example for a lot purchased at £100 hammer for buyers who registered directly at Graham Budd Auctions would be as follows:

£100 hammer
£24.00 Buyer’s Premium

TOTAL INVOICE: £124.00

An example for a lot purchased at £100 hammer to a non-UK buyer who registered directly at thesaleroom.com would be as follows:

£100 hammer
£24.00 Buyer’s Premium
£4.95 Internet Surcharge

TOTAL INVOICE: £128.95

13. SPECIAL NOTICE FOR LOT 295, 16TH NOVEMBER WORLD CUP SPECIAL AUCTION

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR BUYERS REGARDING VAT

Lot 295 is to be sold whilst subject to Temporary Importation to the UK. The hammer price will be subject to Import VAT at the reduced rate of 5%. The Buyer’s Premium is subject to VAT at the standard rate of 20%. These taxes are charged to the Buyer but are not applicable if the Buyer exports the lot outside of the UK.

Example for a UK buyer:
Hammer Price: £3,000,000.
VAT on Hammer Price at the reduced 5% rate = £150,000.
Buyer's Premium at 24% = £720,000.
VAT on Buyer's Premium at the standard 20% rate = £144,000.
TOTAL INVOICE AMOUNT = £4,014,000   

Example for a buyer exporting the lot from the UK:
Hammer Price: £3,000,000.
VAT on Hammer = £0.
Buyer's Premium at 24% = £720,000.
VAT on Buyer's Premium = £0
TOTAL INVOICE AMOUNT = £3,720,000  

14. Estimates

Every lot in the auction has a published low and high estimate. Estimates are published as a guide only. The final hammer price of a lot may be higher of lower than the range of figures given and there are no predetermined starting bids. The published estimates are exclusive of buyer’s premium. Every lot in the auction is subject to a reserve price which is a confidential agreement between the seller and the auctioneer. The reserve price is never set higher than the published low estimate but can be set below it.

15. Artist’s Resale Rights / Droit de Suite

This is a royalty payable to a qualifying artist or the artist’s heirs each time a work is resold during the artist’s lifetime and up to a period of 70 years after the artist’s death.

This will be in addition to the Hammer Price, lots may qualify for and be subject to payment by the Buyer of the Artist’s Resale Right at a percentage of the Hammer Price calculated as follows: 

From €1,000 to €50,000 – 4%

From €50,001 to €200,000 – 3%

From €200,001 to €350,000 – 1%

From €350,001 to €500,000 – 0.5%

Exceeding €500,001 – 0.25%

Up to a maximum levy of €10,000 on any single lot. 

Any Artist’s Resale Right royalties will be calculated on the pound sterling/ Euro exchange rate quoted on the date of the auction by the European Central Bank. 

16. Currency

The auction is held in the UK and will be conducted in British Pounds Sterling.

17. Payment

Payment is due in sterling and before any property can be released. The day after the auction concludes, successful buyers will be invoiced by email.

When registering for the auction you will have been required to leave credit or debit card details. Please note, although we are authorised to do so, we will not automatically charge the card after the auction as you may wish to use an alternative method or payment. See below:

Graham Budd Auctions accept the following methods of payment:

ELECTRONIC TRANSFERS AND INTERNET BANKING

Barclays Bank PLC, 212 Regent Street, London, W1A 4BP
Sort Code: 20-71-74
Account: 60420255
Account Name: Graham Budd Auctions Ltd

FOR OVERSEAS BUYERS

IBAN number: GB64BARC20717460420255

SWIFT/BIC: BARCGB22

*** Important Online Fraud Notice *** Graham Budd Auctions will never instruct you to send money other than to the bank details above. If you receive any communication in respect of payment that you consider suspicious always contact the auctioneer by telephone (not email) for authentication.

STRIPE

If you are a registered account holder at www.grahambuddauctions.co.uk you can pay safely and securely online and free with a Visa or MasterCard. Please quote the ‘Buyer Number’ printed on your invoice as the reference.

CREDIT or DEBIT CARD

At auction registration at the-saleroom.com you will have registered a credit or debit card. Although you have authorised us to use this card we will not do so automatically. However, if you do wish to pay on the registered card, please instruct the auctioneer accordingly. Alternatively, you may wish to use a different card to the one registered. Card payments can be made directly with the auctioneer by telephone with Visa, MasterCard or Amex.

*** Important Online Fraud Notice *** To avoid possible compromise, never email your card details to the auctioneer.

PAYPAL

Our PayPal email is gb@grahambuddauctions.co.uk

STERLING CHEQUE, BANKER DRAFT or BUILDING SOCIETY CHEQUE

Drawn on a recognised UK bank of building society. Please note we require 7 days to clear a cheque before the release of the purchase can be authorised.

18. Data Protection

GBA will use information supplied by bidders or otherwise obtained lawfully by GBA for the provision of auction related services, client administration, marketing and as otherwise required by law. By agreeing to these Conditions of Business, the bidder agrees to the processing of their personal information and to the disclosure of such information to third parties world-wide for the purposes outlined in the above service provisions, and to the seller solely in the event on non-payment.

19. Miscellaneous

All images of lots, catalogue descriptions and all other materials produced by GBA are the copyright of GBA.

Graham Budd Auctions’ Conditions of Business shall be interpreted in accordance with English Law, under the exclusive jurisdiction of the English Courts, in favour of GBA.

Wednesday 16th November at 10am

Lots 1 to 382

Pre-Sale Viewing:

We are offering pre-sale viewing of lots at our Wellingborough premises.

This is strictly by a pre-arranged timed appointment to be requested by email. 

The last opportunity to view lots at our premises is Monday 14th of November.

Condition Reports:

Any requests for condition reports or additional photographs must be received by email by Monday 14th of November.

It is recommended that prospective Bidders inspect the lots on which they intend to bid, we accept bids from potential Buyers on the basis that Buyers (or their advisors) have fully accepted the lot prior to bidding and have satisfied themselves prior to bidding in relation to the condition and accuracy of the description of the lot.

Bidding:

Bidders will be required to register online before the auction commences in order to place a absentee bid or book a telephone line on any lot with the Auction House or bid on the Online Platforms.

A form of governement-issued proof of identification (photograhpic identification with proof of current address) will be required at the time of registration, for all Absentee, Telephone and Online Bidding.

Lots will only be invoiced to the name and address on the bid registration form and cannot be transferred to another name and address. We can only accept payment for the lot from the registered Bidder.  

SPECIAL NOTICE FOR LOT 295, 16TH NOVEMBER WORLD CUP SPECIAL AUCTION:

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR BUYERS REGARDING VAT
Lot 295 is to be sold whilst subject to Temporary Importation to the UK. The hammer price will be subject to Import VAT at the reduced rate of 5%. The Buyer’s Premium is subject to VAT at the standard rate of 20%. These taxes are charged to the Buyer but are not applicable if the Buyer exports the lot outside of the UK.

Example for a UK buyer:
Hammer Price: £3,000,000.
VAT on Hammer Price at the reduced 5% rate = £150,000.
Buyer's Premium at 24% = £720,000.
VAT on Buyer's Premium at the standard 20% rate = £144,000.
TOTAL INVOICE AMOUNT = £4,014,000  

Example for a buyer exporting the lot from the UK:
Hammer Price: £3,000,000.
VAT on Hammer = £0.
Buyer's Premium at 24% = £720,000.
VAT on Buyer's Premium = £0
TOTAL INVOICE AMOUNT = £3,720,000