World Cup final ball sold for £50,000 on eBay

The ball used in Spain’s World Cup final win over the Netherlands  has fetched almost £50,000 in a charity auction on eBay.

Ruth Szyszkowski of eBay said: “Interest in this particular piece seems not only heightened by the controversy surrounding it, but also the proceeds benefiting such a great cause.”

It was sold for $74,000, or just over £48,000.

The famous Jabulani ball, which Andres Iniesta rifled home in extra time to give Spain their first World Cup title, was sold for the ‘46664’ HIV/AIDS charity – named after Nelson Mandela’s prisoner number when he was held at Robben Island.

Many players – including Spain keeper Iker Casillas (pictured) likened the Jabulani ball used throughout the tournament to a “supermarket ball” that was too unpredictable.

The gold version used in the final was named ‘Jo’bulani’ because the game was played in Johannesburg, known colloquially as Jo’burg.

Source: Eurosport