FIFA World Cup 2022: Adidas unveils official match ball
What's the story
Sportswear major Adidas has unveiled the new official ball for the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2022 to be held in Qatar. Titled 'Al Rihla', the ball as per reports is the quickest-ever that will feature in the global tournament. Interestingly, the ball is also set to travel faster in flight than any other FIFA World Cup ball in history. Here are further details.
Funds
Al Rihla will directly contribute to raising funds
For the 14th consecutive edition of the FIFA World Cup, the German manufacturer has created the official match ball. Interestingly, one percent of each sale will be donated to the Common Goal charity. Also, Al Rihla is the first World Cup ball in the 92-year history of the competition which will directly contribute to raising funds in impacting lives across the world.
Context
Why does this story matter?
Al Rihla provides maximum accuracy and reliability on the field of play. This is largely due to its new panel shape and surface textures. Two new core pieces of technology in the form of CTR-CORE and SPEEDSHELL have been used. The CTR-Core will help in speed, accuracy, and preciseness. SPEEDSHELL (ball's skin) will help improving aerodynamics, accuracy, flight stability, and swerve of shots.
Comments
Al Rihla designed to meet modern-day demands
Adidas Design Director for Football Graphics & Hardwear, Franziska Loeffelmann, said Al Rihla stays connected in meeting the new demands of modern-day football. "The game is getting faster, and as it speeds up, accuracy and flight stability becomes critically important," he said as per Evening Standard. "The new design allows the ball to maintain its speed significantly higher as it journeys through the air."
Details
A look at the key details
Adidas issued a statement saying the ball was also designed with the environment at its heart. The company kept all components into consideration. Al Rihla is also the first World Cup ball made using only water-based inks and glues. The ball will leave Qatar for a 10-city tour around the world. In each city, Adidas will be promoting campaigns to "improves access and equity".
Design
Decoding the design
Al Rihla translates as 'The Journey' in Arabic. It has been inspired by architecture, iconic boats, and the flag of Qatar. "The bold, vibrant color and graphics set on a pearlescent background reflect the ever-increasing speed of the game, with speed revealing the spectrum of color to excite players and fans around the world from grassroots to elite levels," a statement read.
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Fastest and most accurate World Cup ball to date
Loeffelmann also said this is the fastest and most accurate ball to date. "For the biggest global stage in all of sport, we set out to make the impossible, possible with radical innovation by creating the fastest and most accurate World Cup ball to date."
Schedule
Here's the complete schedule of the World Cup
The FIFA World Cup 2022 will start on November 21 this year with the group stages. The round of 16 matches will start from December 3 onwards. The quarter-finals will start on December 9. The semis will start from December 14 onwards. The third-place play-off will be played on December 17. The final will be held on December 18. All timings are on IST.