The match ball for the England v Portugal 1966 World Cup semi-final signed by the referee and his two linemen, In the 1966 World Cup semi-final again

The match ball for the England v Portugal 1966 World Cup semi-final signed by the referee and his two linemen, In the 1966 World Cup semi-final against Portugal, England overcame a technically brilliant team which also boasted the tournament's highest scorer in Eusebio. Two goals by Bobby Charlton were enough to see England progress to the final despite a late penalty from Eusebio causing some late nervousness. The match referee for the England v Portugal semi-final was France's Pierre Schwinte, and his two linesmen were Arturo Yamasaki of Peru and Konstantin Zecevic of Yugoslavia. After the match the ball came into the possession of the FIFA president Sir Stanley Rous. He in turn later presented the ball to St. Lukes College, Exeter, on a prestigious occasion to which he had been invited. Walter Rice, who was the chairman of Exeter City FC at the time, was a lecturer at St. Luke's and the ball was acquired for his personal collection. After his death in the 1980s all his possessions were sold at auction including the World Cup ball which was purchased by the present vendor. The inner tube has now perished and the ball is now deflated and with crazing to the surface of the leather. The signatures of the match officials are faded but still remain legible.