The coroner determined that Stiles’ death was caused by Alzheimer’s disease with advanced chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), alongside a contributory factor of “stage three limbic predominant age-related TDP-43” and cerebrovascular disease.
The coroner highlighted the irony of addressing this matter on the day of England’s World Cup semi-final match against Argentina.
Speaking after the inquest, Stiles’ son remarked: “While we rightly celebrate today’s football heroes, 60 years after 1966’s triumphs, it is vital to honor individuals like my father and countless others neglected by a profitable industry.”
“It is a disgrace that both the industry and government have abandoned these vulnerable individuals.”
A 2019 study co-funded by The FA and the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) revealed that footballers are 3.5 times more likely to die from neurodegenerative diseases compared to the general population.
The FA is set to eliminate heading in youth football for under-11s by 2026.
The PFA has established support services for players with dementia and neurodegenerative conditions, including financial aid via The Football Brain Health Fund and guidance through The PFA Dedicated Brain Health Team, which assists with diagnoses and educates players on brain health.
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