FIFA has unveiled a groundbreaking innovation for the upcoming 2025 Club World Cup—the official match ball will incorporate state-of-the-art technology to assist referees in making faster and more precise decisions.
Manufactured by Adidas, this advanced ball will feature artificial intelligence (AI) and real-time motion tracking, ensuring improved officiating throughout the tournament.
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A Smart Ball with Artificial Intelligence
Designed to push the boundaries of football technology, the new match ball will integrate Adidas’ Connected Ball Technology, offering real-time data transmission to the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system. This enhancement will significantly aid referees in making crucial decisions, such as offsides and potential handballs, with greater accuracy.
The ball includes a 500Hz inertial measurement unit (IMU) motion sensor, stabilized by a suspension system at its core. This sensor provides unmatched insights into ball movement and is powered by a rechargeable battery, which can be charged via induction. By combining precise ball-tracking data with player positioning, AI will enable video match officials (VMOs) to speed up decision-making processes, reducing delays and improving the game’s flow.
Engineering Precision for Maximum Performance
The ball has been designed to enhance both gameplay precision and aerodynamic stability. Adidas has implemented PRECISIONSHELL, a 20-panel configuration with strategically placed debossed grooves. These grooves optimize airflow around the ball, ensuring greater accuracy in its movement.
Beneath the surface, CTR-CORE technology is engineered to retain the ball’s shape and air pressure over extended periods. This guarantees a consistent and stable flight path, enabling fast and precise passing, shooting, and ball control.
A Tribute to the Host Nation
Beyond its technological advancements, the official match ball pays homage to the United States, the host of the 2025 Club World Cup. The design features bold and striking graphics inspired by American iconography, incorporating colors from the U.S. national flag.
Sam Handy, General Manager of Adidas Football, shared insights on the design process: “We spent 18 months honing the design to honour classic ‘Americana’ iconography, whilst ensuring with a wide variety of American soccer players it felt reflective of the game in their country. With this came a clear ambition to create something bold, loud, iconic, and unmistakably American. It’s a true celebration of the host nation and we’re excited to see it perform on the world’s biggest stage this summer.”
Enhancing Fair Play with Technological Innovation
This revolutionary ball is set to transform officiating standards at the Club World Cup. By automating key match decisions, officials will have access to real-time data that reduces human error and improves accuracy. The AI-powered system will not only enhance offside rulings but also assist in detecting every touch of the ball, helping referees analyze handball situations and contentious goal-line incidents.
Developed in collaboration with Kinexon, Adidas’ Connected Ball Technology ensures that VMOs can make quicker and more informed rulings, reducing stoppages and maintaining the game’s momentum.
Commitment to Social Change
In addition to technological advancements, the official match ball aligns with Adidas’ broader social responsibility efforts. The company has pledged 1% of net sales from the ball to Common Goal, an initiative aimed at empowering underprivileged communities through football. This reinforces the brand’s commitment to fostering a more inclusive and impactful football culture worldwide.
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FAQs
What is special about the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 match ball?
The official match ball, designed by Adidas, features AI-powered Connected Ball Technology, real-time motion tracking, and a 500Hz IMU sensor to assist referees with faster and more accurate decisions.
How does the AI technology in the ball help referees?
The ball transmits real-time data to the VAR system, enabling video match officials (VMOs) to make quicker offside calls, detect handball incidents, and analyze every touch of the ball with precision AI processing.
What makes the ball aerodynamically superior?
It incorporates PRECISIONSHELL, a 20-panel design with strategically placed grooves for optimized airflow, and CTR-CORE technology to maintain shape and air pressure, ensuring consistent flight and faster gameplay.
How does the ball pay tribute to the United States as the host nation?
The design features bold, Americana-inspired graphics and colors from the U.S. national flag, reflecting the country’s football culture and identity.
What social initiative is Adidas supporting through this match ball?
Adidas will donate 1% of net sales from the ball to Common Goal, an initiative that funds programs for underprivileged communities through football development.
