UEFA has unveiled a new ball for the EURO. It includes technology that should help VAR

In eight months’ time, Germany will be in a football frenzy. The EURO will welcome the best countries in Europe and UEFA has prepared a new feature. A special ball to help VAR.

At a special event at Berlin’s Olympiastadion, UEFA and Adidas presented the ‘FUSSBALLLIEBE’, the official ball of the 2024 European Championship.

You will remember balls like the Roteiro or the Jabulani. Previously, the official balls were selected only on appearance, but nowadays it has stricter criteria.

The new FUSSBALLLIEBE, which is German for love of football, will feature Adidas Connected Ball Technology for the first time at the EURO.

This will provide an unprecedented overview of every element of ball movement and contributes to the UEFA video assistant referee’s decision-making process.

“The UEFA European Football Championship represents the pinnacle of national team competitions in Europe and we strive to ensure that every aspect, from the venues to the equipment, meets the highest standards of quality and performance. As always, we are confident that the FUSSBALLLIEBE from Adidas will mark the next step in our joint pursuit of excellence,” said UEFA Technical Director and Chief Executive Zvonimir Boban.

“In designing this official match ball, we were inspired by the energy and diversity of the tournament and the love Europe has for football. With this in mind, we hope the FUSSBALLLIEBE will bring joy wherever it is kicked,” added Sam Handy, Vice President of Product and Design at adidas Football.

UEFA EURO 2024 will take place from 14 June to 14 July 2024 in ten host cities in Germany: Berlin, Cologne, Dortmund, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Gelsenkirchen, Hamburg, Leipzig, Munich and Stuttgart.

Source: UEFA