13 Jul 2016

Hurst's hat-trick shirt goes unsold

6:21 am on 13 July 2016

The red shirt worn by England's hat-trick hero Geoff Hurst in the 1966 football World Cup final victory over West Germany went unsold at auction after it failed to reach the reserve price.

The famous jersey, worn by Geoff Hurst in the 1966 World Cup final.

The famous jersey, worn by Geoff Hurst in the 1966 World Cup final. Photo: Supplied

Auctioneers Sotheby's had put an estimated price of $550,000 to $900,000 on the long-sleeved number 10 shirt with its embroidered three lions badge.

Described as "the most significant obtainable artefact relating to the 1966 World Cup final", the shirt was accompanied by a letter of authenticity signed by Hurst, who sold it in 2000 to a private collector.

Media reported that Hurst, now 74 and still the only player to score three goals in a World Cup final, had feared it might be stolen from his home.

Half a century on from that 4-2 Wembley final victory, England are still waiting to win another major title.

-Reuters