England soccer great Alan Ball died as a result of natural causes, a post mortem examination has found, police reported on Thursday.
The 61-year-old member of the victorious 1966 England World Cup squad was found dead at his home in Warsash, Hampshire, England, on Wednesday.
He died of a heart attack while putting out a small fire which had broken out in a compost heap in his garden, according to his family.
A Hampshire police spokeswoman said: "We have been informed by the coroner's office at Portsmouth that Mr Ball died as a result of natural causes."
Soccer clubs across the country will pay tribute to the player this weekend with one minute's applause preceding all Premier League and Football League matches.
Figures from across the soccer world have paid tribute to Ball, who produced a man-of-the-match performance to help England to their Wembley victory against West Germany.
British Prime Minister Tony Blair and Prince William, who is president of the Football Association, said they were saddened by the news.
Sir Bobby Charlton said he was shocked and saddened by the death of his World Cup team-mate.
The former Manchester United midfielder said: "He was probably the best player that day ... He did not appear to have a nerve in his body, and he was an inspiration to us all."
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