Sky News presenter Adam Boulton mistakenly announced the death of Gordon Brown instead of World Cup winning goalkeeper Gordon Banks during a live broadcast.
Former Stoke and Leicester City footballer Banks, who won the World Cup with England in 1966, died on Tuesday.
But announcing the news, Boulton accidentally referred to the former prime minister.
He said: “The death has been announced of the former England goalkeeper Gordon Brown at the age of 81.”
“He was of course part of England’s one and only World Cup…” he added, before quickly correcting himself.
“Gordon Banks, I’m sorry,” he said, smiling wryly.
Banks made 73 appearances for England between 1963 and 1972, playing every game in 1966 as England claimed their only World Cup triumph to date.
His save to thwart Brazilian icon Pele at the 1970 tournament in Mexico is still regarded as one of the best in football history.
In a statement released by Banks' former club Stoke City, they said: "It is with great sadness that we announce that Gordon passed away peacefully overnight.
"We are devastated to lose him but we have so many happy memories and could not have been more proud of him."
