'Deflategate' football sells for $40k at auction

A ball used during the 'Deflategate' AFC Championship Game in February has sold at auction for $43,740 (£28,000).

The sum is one of the highest ever paid for a football, while the ball itself is the only one that has made its way into the public domain following the match.

During the game against the Indianapolis Colts, the New England Patriots were said to have deliberately deflated the footballs in order to give their receivers an advantage.

Auctioneers Lelands.com sold the ball on behalf of Laura Nichols, a member of the crowd that was handed the ball by Patriots wideout Brandon LaFell following a touchdown in the team's 45-7 win.

The 'Deflategate' game has become infamous since it took place six months ago, with the league since docking the Patriots two draft picks, fining them for their role and suspending quarterback Tom Brady.