The shirt worn by Diego Maradona when he scored the controversial “Hand of God” goal at the 1986 World Cup has sold for a record price. The fee of £7.1 million (€8.4 million) is the highest price ever paid at an auction for a piece of sports memorabilia.

The shirt was sold online by the auctioneer Sotheby’s on Wednesday and the buyer has not been identified. Marcelo Ordas, an Argentine collector, told national TV that his bid to repatriate the shirt was “unfortunately” beaten by "an offer from the Middle East that came at the last moment”.

Maradona scored two goals while wearing the shirt during the 1986 World Cup quarter-final match against England in Mexico City.