England's 1966 World Cup winner Nobby Stiles died with a traumatic brain injury, a court heard on Friday. The coroner ruled that an inquest into his death must be held. Stiles, 78, a former Manchester United footballer, died with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), an injury associated with repeated head traumas, claimed to be from heading a football.
Coroner's Ruling
Chris Morris, area coroner for Greater Manchester South, told Stockport Coroner's Court that a brain expert had examined samples and medical records. Due to the injury, a full inquest would be required. The inquest is scheduled for July 15 at the same court.
Family Campaign
Stiles's family, along with the relatives of several other late footballers, have campaigned for the sport's governing bodies to do more to help ex-players cope with injuries they claim were caused during their playing days. Stiles's son John has previously said that football had "killed" his father.
Legal Action
Several former footballers and their families are suing England's Football Association, the Football Association of Wales, and the English Football League over claims of negligence and breach of duty of care. Lawyers argue that football authorities knew or should have known that repeatedly heading a ball could cause brain injuries.
CTE and Football
In January, an inquest into the death of Gordon McQueen, a former Leeds, Manchester United, and Scotland defender, found that heading the ball was "likely" to have contributed to a brain injury that was a factor in his death. McQueen was also diagnosed with CTE. His daughter, Hayley McQueen, noted that England's 1966 World Cup-winning team has been "pretty much wiped out" by neurodegenerative disease, with Geoff Hurst being the last living member of the 11 that beat West Germany 4-2 at Wembley.
FA's Response
The Football Association (FA) is currently phasing out all heading in youth football up to Under-11 level. In March, lawyers for the FA told the High Court that it has "not been established by science" that heading a ball or "occasional" concussion can lead to permanent brain damage.
