Ball died of natural causes

12 April 2012

Football legend Alan Ball died as a result of natural causes, a post mortem examination has found, police said on Thursday.

The 61-year-old member of the victorious 1966 World Cup squad was found dead at his home in Hook Lane, Warsash, Hants, at 12.15am on Wednesday. He died of a heart attack while putting out a small fire which had broken out in a compost heap in his garden, according to his family.

A Hampshire police spokeswoman said: "We have been informed by the coroner's office at Portsmouth that Mr Ball died as a result of natural causes."

Football clubs across the country will pay tribute to the player this weekend with one minute's applause preceding all Premier League and Football League matches.

A memorial service, with a non-black tie dress code, is to be held at Winchester Cathedral next Thursday.

The family have requested no flowers but that any donations be made to the Bobby Moore Fund.

Figures from across the footballing world have paid tribute to Ball, who produced a man-of-the-match performance to help England to their Wembley victory against West Germany.

The Football League's chief operating officer Andy Williamson, said: "Alan made an enormous contribution to League football as a player and a manager, and his part in English football's proudest day will live long in the memory.

"Having a minute's applause at every match this weekend will give supporters the opportunity to pay their own tribute."

Prime Minister Tony Blair and Prince William, who is president of the Football Association, said they were saddened by the news, while leading the tributes from the football community was World Cup-winning goalscorer Sir Geoff Hurst, who said the other members of the 1966 team were "totally devastated".

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