NYON, SWITZERLAND (AP) – A high-tech soccer ball that helps with more accurate offside decisions will make its European Championship debut next year in Germany after being used at the 2022 World Cup.
European football governing body UEFA and manufacturer Adidas unveiled the ball for Euro 2024 in Berlin on Wednesday. It is named “Fussballliebe,” the German word for “love of football,” and will be used at next year’s 51-game tournament from June 14-July 14.
A chip fixed on a gyroscope inside the ball sends data 500 times per second to record the point at which it is kicked. The “kick point” helps match officials make offside decisions using multiple camera angles to create 3D visualisations that illustrate player movement.
UEFA said the “connected ball technology (gives) unprecedented insight into every element of the movement of the ball and contributing to UEFA’s video assistant refereeing decision-making process.”
Adidas also supplies balls to FIFA for the men’s and women’s World Cups.
UEFA highlighted the sustainable qualities of the “Fussballliebe,” using recycled polyester and water-based ink, plus materials including corn fibres, sugar cane and wood pulp.
Adidas has pledged one per cent of net sales of the ball to the Common Goal soccer charity created by former Spain midfielder Juan Mata.
