The official match ball of the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 was launched on Tuesday, January 24, in Sydney, Australia by a helicopter.
Known as OCEAUNZ, this is the ninth successive football produced by Adidas for the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Its design is inspired by the unique natural landscapes of the two host nations, with visuals nodding to the vast mountains of Aotearoa New Zealand, and Australia’s connection with the Indian Ocean.
Also Read: Brighton Star Changes Agents Amid Arsenal Interest
“The ball is a celebration of the cultures of both host countries and features designs by Aboriginal artist, Chern’ee Sutton, and Māori artist, Fiona Collis. Their art is also part of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 brand identity, Beyond Greatness,’ a statement by FIFA read.
Speaking about the launch of the match ball, FIFA Secretary General Fatma Samoura praised Adidas for creating an iconic Official Match Ball for the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
She highlighted that the ball reflected diversity, inclusivity, and togetherness.
This will be the first-ever FIFA Women’s World Cup to be co-hosted by two different countries from different confederations.
Its name reflects the coming together of Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand as host nations of the tournament.
Like the match ball used in Qatar for the FIFA World Cup 2022, the OCEAUNZ features the same connected ball technology.
This technology helps Video Match Officials get precise ball data in real time.
“Combined with player position data and by applying artificial intelligence, the innovative connected ball technology contributes to FIFA’s semi-automated offside technology and offers Video Assistant Referees instantaneous information to help optimise decision-making,” FIFA noted.
Also Read: Frank Lampard Sacked by Everton