The UEFA EURO 2024™ is set to showcase not only Europe’s finest football talent but also groundbreaking technology with the introduction of the official match ball: the FUSSBALLLIEBE. This innovative Euro Cup Ball, designed by Adidas, promises to enhance the beautiful game through cutting-edge engineering and a deep love for football.
Inspired by the very essence of football joy and the electrifying atmosphere of the tournament, the FUSSBALLLIEBE Euro Cup ball is more than just a sphere. It’s a meticulously crafted piece of sports equipment engineered for superior precision. Improved deboss grooves across its surface are a testament to this, ensuring players experience enhanced accuracy and control in every pass, shot, and touch.
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Introducing the FUSSBALLLIEBE Euro Cup Ball: A Celebration of Football
“FUSSBALLLIEBE,” a German term translating to “love of football,” perfectly encapsulates the spirit behind this official Euro Cup ball. For the first time in UEFA European Championship™ history, the FUSSBALLLIEBE integrates Adidas Connected Ball Technology, marking a significant leap forward in football technology at the highest level of European competition.
This Euro Cup ball is not just about tradition; it’s about pushing boundaries. Adidas has engineered the FUSSBALLLIEBE to provide unparalleled accuracy during play. The ball’s unique PRECISIONSHELL 20-piece panel shape, combined with strategically placed deboss grooves, is the result of rigorous research and testing. These features work in harmony to optimize airflow, granting players maximum precision and control in every match of the Euro Cup.
Supporting this innovative outer shell is the CTR-CORE technology within the Euro Cup ball. This groundbreaking core is specifically designed for consistency and accuracy, fostering fast, precise gameplay while ensuring maximum shape and air retention throughout intense Euro Cup matches.
Design and Inspiration of the Official Euro Cup Ball
The visual design of the FUSSBALLLIEBE Euro Cup ball is as captivating as its technology. It vividly represents the dynamic movement of the ball and the raw energy inherent in football. Prominent black wing shapes are boldly accentuated with colorful edges, curves, and dots, creating a visually striking aesthetic.
The vibrant color palette, featuring red, blue, green, and orange, celebrates the diverse and energetic spirit of the nations competing in the Euro Cup. These colors also symbolize the simple yet profound love for football that unites fans globally. Adding a unique touch, illustrations of each UEFA EURO 2024™ stadium are subtly incorporated into the ball’s design, alongside the names of the host cities, making it a true emblem of the tournament.
Connected Ball Technology: Revolutionizing Officiating in the Euro Cup
A landmark feature of the FUSSBALLLIEBE Euro Cup ball is the integration of Adidas Connected Ball Technology. This system transmits precise ball data to video match officials in real-time, promising to revolutionize decision-making in crucial game moments.
By merging player position data with advanced AI, this technology significantly contributes to UEFA’s semi-automated offside technology. It will play a crucial role in ensuring faster and more accurate in-match decisions throughout the Euro Cup tournament, minimizing controversies and upholding fairness. Developed in close collaboration with Kinexon, the Adidas Connected Ball Technology within this Euro Cup ball also aids VAR officials in identifying every touch of the ball, streamlining the review process for handball and penalty incidents, ultimately enhancing the game’s integrity.
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Sustainable Innovation and Features of the Euro Cup Ball
The FUSSBALLLIEBE Euro Cup ball boasts a range of features designed for peak performance and incorporates sustainable materials:
- ADIDAS CONNECTED BALL TECHNOLOGY: At the heart of the ball, a suspension system stabilizes a 500Hz inertial measurement unit (IMU) motion sensor. This provides unprecedented data on every nuance of the ball’s movement. The sensor operates on a rechargeable, induction-chargeable battery.
- CTR-CORE: The core is engineered for accuracy and consistent performance, supporting fast, precise play and maintaining optimal shape and air pressure. It comprises a zero-waste bladder made with renewable, natural rubber and a carcass constructed from double-patched PES fabric for enhanced strength and shape retention.
- PRECISIONSHELL: The polyurethane (PU) skin of the Euro Cup ball features both micro and macro textures and a 20-piece panel configuration, significantly improving aerodynamics for true flight.
- SUSTAINABLE BIO-BASED MATERIALS: Demonstrating a commitment to sustainability, the FUSSBALLLIEBE utilizes more bio-based materials than any previous Adidas Official Match Ball. Recycled polyester and water-based ink are complemented by materials like corn fibers, sugar cane, wood pulp, and rubber in each layer, without compromising the ball’s elite performance standards.
FUSSBALLLIEBE: More Than Just a Ball
Sam Handy, VP Product and Design at Adidas Football, emphasized the inspiration behind the Euro Cup ball: “When designing this Official Match Ball, we were inspired by the energy and diversity of the tournament and the love that Europe has for football. With that in mind, we hope FUSSBALLLIEBE will bring joy wherever it’s kicked.”
Zvonimir Boban, UEFA Technical Director and Chief of Football, highlighted the technological milestone: “Bringing our Connected Ball Technology to UEFA EURO 2024™ is a watershed moment in the history of the tournament, and a result of our commitment to groundbreaking innovation that improves the experience for match officials, players and fans.”
The FUSSBALLLIEBE Euro Cup ball was officially launched at a special event in Berlin, marking the start of celebrations leading up to UEFA EURO 2024™. Adidas will further extend the reach of the FUSSBALLLIEBE across the nine host cities with a roadshow, distributing balls to local schools and clubs, ensuring the love of football is shared widely.
Continuing their commitment to social responsibility, Adidas will contribute 1% of global net sales from all Adidas footballs to Common Goal, supporting initiatives for social change in underserved communities.
The FUSSBALLLIEBE – the Official Match Ball of UEFA EURO 2024™ – is set to feature in all 51 matches of the tournament, commencing on June 14th. This Euro Cup ball is available for purchase, excluding the connected ball technology version, for fans to experience the innovation firsthand.
For more detailed information, enthusiasts can visit adidas.com or follow @adidasfootball on social media platforms. The FUSSBALLLIEBE Euro Cup ball represents a fusion of technology, design, and sustainability, poised to elevate the UEFA EURO 2024™ experience for players and fans alike.
