Football: Wembley offered for Moore tribute match

A MATCH between England and a Rest of the World team at Wembley is one of the ideas under consideration as a memorial to Bobby Moore.

Sir Brian Wolfson, the chairman of Wembley, has given permission for the stadium to be used in a match to honour the man who led England to victory there in the 1966 World Cup final. Moore died from cancer on Wednesday, aged 51.

Graham Kelly, the FA's chief executive, said yesterday he would consult Moore's family before planning a tribute to the former West Ham United and Fulham defender.

'I have heard a number of ideas put forward for tributes, but it is a bit early yet to be talking about this,' Kelly said. 'Undoubtedly we will be doing something to mark this sad occasion. But we are fully sympathetic - consideration will be given to whatever the family deem appropriate.'

Franz Beckenbauer, the former West German captain who was on the losing side in 1966, has already indicated his willingness to take part in anything planned, and Pele, the Brazilian maestro who faced Moore in a classic World Cup encounter in 1970, has also been approached.

Among other ideas put forward today have been renaming the stairs to Wembley's Royal Box as the Bobby Moore steps, or introducing a Bobby Moore Trophy.

West Ham are also considering a memorial service for Moore, if his family agreed, in response to the reaction of the club's fans, who flocked to Upton Park yesterday.

Moore's wife Stephanie said the family wanted all monies collected in Moore's honour to go to the Imperial Cancer Research Fund at the Western General Hospital in Edinburgh.

'We are deeply appreciative of the response and efforts that have been made,' she said. 'We would like to make sure that any funds raised are channelled to this fund.'

Players will observe a minute's silence before kick-off at Premier League and Football League games this weekend.