Court rules that World Cup England winner died from brain injury related to heading the ball

Medical Examination

An expert analysis of his brain showed that the severe dementia was caused by Alzheimer's disease as well as Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), which is linked to head injuries sustained from heading the ball. Neuropathology expert Dr. Daniel Du Plessis told the court that he was convinced that Stiles' repeated head impacts led to the development of CTE.

Testimony and Calculations

Stiles' son, John, who previously claimed that football 'killed' his father, stated at the hearings that his father was very modest and simply achieved a great deal. Stiles estimated that he headed the ball about 40 times a day, five days a week, over a 17-year career period, which gives a conservative estimate of 136,000 hits. He also noted that balls during his father's playing days weighed about 16 ounces (453.5 grams) but became heavier when wet. John told the court that studies show that even a modern ball, which no longer absorbs water, has an impact equivalent to about 80 percent of a boxer's punch.

Legal Claims and Context

John Stiles is among dozens of former footballers and their families who are suing governing bodies such as the Football Association of England, the Football Association of Wales, and the English Football League. These lawsuits are based on claims that the bodies were 'negligent and breached their duty of care' towards former players. Lawyers for these players have previously argued that football authorities knew or should have known that repeated striking of the ball during training and matches could cause brain damage, and that these risks have been known for decades.

Position of Football Associations

However, in March of this year, football association lawyers submitted to the High Court that 'science has not proven' that heading or 'periodic' concussions can lead to irreversible brain damage. In January, an investigation into the death of Gordon McQueen, a 70-year-old defender for Leeds, Manchester United, and Scotland, found that a head impact 'likely' contributed to the brain injury that was a factor in his death. McQueen was also diagnosed with CTE.

State of the 1966 Team

McQueen's daughter, television presenter Hayley McQueen, noted that the England team that won the 1966 World Cup is 'almost completely destroyed' by neurodegenerative diseases, with Geoff Hurst, the hat-trick hero, being the last living member of the squad that defeated West Germany 4-2 at Wembley. The FA is currently phasing out all heading in youth football down to the U-11 level.