Nobby Stiles inquest ordered after CTE finding

A coroner in England ruled on July 10 that a full inquest must be held into the death of Nobby Stiles after a court heard the 1966 World Cup winner died with chronic traumatic encephalopathy, known as CTE.

Chris Morris, area coroner for Greater Manchester South, told Stockport Coroner's Court that a brain expert had examined samples and medical records. Morris said the inclusion of a traumatic injury in the cause of death meant an inquest was required.

The inquest is due to be held on July 15 at the same court.

Stiles, whose full name was Norbert Stiles, died in October 2020 at age 78 after a long illness. He was a former Manchester United midfielder, won the 1966 World Cup with England, was capped 28 times and made nearly 400 appearances for Manchester United.

Stiles's family and relatives of other late footballers have campaigned for football authorities to do more for former players with injuries they say were caused during their careers. Stiles's son John has previously said football “killed” his father.

Stiles is among several former footballers whose families are suing England's Football Association, the Football Association of Wales and the English Football League, alleging negligence and breach of duty of care. Lawyers for the former players and families have said football authorities knew or should have known that repeated heading was likely to cause brain injuries.

The Football Association's lawyers told the High Court in March that science has not established that heading a ball or occasional concussion can lead to permanent brain damage.