The UEFA European Football Championship, also known as European Championship or Euro 2024, will take place from June 14 to July 14, 2024. UEFA, the Union of European Football Associations, was founded in 1958. The official soccer ball for the 2024 tournament is called FUSSBALLLIEBE, meaning “love of soccer.”

The ball’s skin is made up of multiple layers of polyurethane (PU) that are thermally bonded together resulting in a seamless surface. It features micro and macro textures and a 20-piece panel shape that improves aerodynamics. Recycled polyester and water-based inks are used.

FUSSBALLLIEBE is made with more bio-based materials than any previous adidas Official Match Ball. Each layer of the ball uses materials like corn fiber, sugar cane, cellulose, and rubber, without compromising performance, according to the company.

The core of the ball, called the Ctr core, consists of two components: a waste-free bladder made from renewable, natural rubber and a cover made from double-stitched polyester (PES) fabric. According to adidas, it supports a fast, precise game with maximum shape and air retention.

Inside the ball is Adidas Connected Ball Technology. This is a suspension system in the center of the ball that stabilizes a motion sensor that analyzes every movement of the ball and sends data in real time to video match officials. The sensor is powered by a rechargeable battery, which can be charged by induction.

This is the first time a European Championship ball has been equipped with Connected Ball Technology. This new technology uses AI and player position data to help UEFA’s semi-automated system quickly decide if a player is offside during a match. Created with Kinexon, the adidas Connected Ball Technology can also help video referees (VAR) by detecting each touch of the ball, making it easier and faster to review handball and penalty situations.

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• Adidas, Herzogenaurach, Germany

 

Also of Interest

• Football-related content published in ChemistryViews