Adidas has unveiled their official match ball for the 2022 World Cup, 14th successive ball that the leading sports company has created for the FIFA World Cup.
On March 30, the sportswear manufacturer claimed that the new ball is the fastest ball in the history of the competition.
The new World Cup ball has been named Al Rihla translating to the journey in Arabic.
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The ball has key features which make it unique as it retails on Adidas' official website for Ks18,958($165) in the U.S. In the UK it goes for Ksh19,648(£130) and in the EU it retails at 19,827(€155).
It's reported that the ball has 20 panels which help enhance aerodynamics, helping players improve the accuracy and swerve of their shots.
The ball was made purely from water-based inks and glues, a first for a World Cup model and will make global tours in order to help improve access and equity for local football communities.
According to FIFA.com the ball has two unique features namely the CRT-CORE and the SPEEDSHELL.
“CRT-CORE – the heart of the ball, providing speed, accuracy and consistency for fast-paced action and precision, with maximal shape and air retention, as well as rebound accuracy.
“SPEEDSHELL – a textured PU skin with a new 20-piece panel shape, improving the accuracy, flight stability and swerve thanks to macro- and microtextures, plus surface debossing,” FIFA noted.
According to Franziska Löffelmann, the Design Director – Football Graphics and Hardwear at Adidas, the new design of the ball allows it to maintain a significantly higher speed as it moves through the air.
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