EURO 2024TM SEMI-FINAL AND FINAL MATCHES
- Design inspired by the national colours of Germany and the silverware the final four teams are competing for
- This is the first Official Match Ball produced for a UEFA European ChampionshipsTM Final that incorporates Connected Ball technology, enabling faster, more accurate officiating decisions – and measurement of key in-play statistics such as speed, spin and distance
- The ball will be placed on new special-edition plinths designed by Berlin-based artist duo, Gonzalez Haase, on pitch before the Semi-Final and Final matches
- The FUSSBALLLIEBE FINALE Official Match Ball is available to purchase today in adidas retail and selected retailers, and online at https://www.adidas.co.za/balls-soccer, with 1% of net sales contributed towards Common Goal’.
Today, adidas unveils the new FUSSBALLLIEBE FINALE Official Match Ball to be used in the semi-finals and final of the UEFA European Championships 2024TM in Germany.
The FUSSBALLLIEBE FINALE Official Match Ball sees a refresh of the iconic visual elements from the Group Stage ball, with its prominent black wing shapes accentuated with vibrant edges, curves and dots that take on the unmistakable black, red and gold of the host nation, Germany.
The white base is replaced with an eye-catching silver, representing the silverware that the final 4 teams will be competing for. The silver colour of the ball has been specially developed and tested with athletes to ensure that it stands out on the pitch without reflecting light back off the surface.
First revealed by the brand at the Home of adidas Football in Berlin, the FUSSBALLLIEBE FINALE Official Match Ball is the first UEFA European ChampionshipsTM Final Official Match Ball to feature Connected Ball technology – which delivers precise ball data to video match officials in real time. Combining player position data with AI, the innovation contributes to UEFA’s semi-automated offside technology and has been key to supporting in-match decisions throughout the tournament.
The technology also enhances the overall fan viewing experience by offering accurate measurement of in-play data – including the ball speed, spin and distance the ball travelled before hitting the back of the net to watching fans.
The innovations continue, with the ball delivering a ground-breaking core called CTR-CORE, designed to improve accuracy and consistency with maximum shape and air retention, and a PRECISIONSHELL polyurethane (PU) skin featuring micro and macro textures and a 20-piece panel shape designed for enhanced aerodynamics.
Solène Störmann, Global Category Director for Football Hardware at adidas said: “With this being the first UEFA European ChampionshipsTM to be hosted by a single nation since 2016, we wanted the FUSSBALLLIEBE FINALE to be heavily inspired by the iconic colours of the German flag. But to really stand out as the ball for the most decisive games, we’ve opted for a distinctive silver base that makes the ball almost embody the coveted trophy that all these great teams will be competing for.
As we reflect on the tournament in its final stages, it’s been an honor to be part of bringing FUSSBALLLIEBE, the joy of football, to all the fans around Germany. This is also a ball that has brought in a new era of technical innovation to the UEFA European ChampionshipsTM through Connected Ball Technology.
We can’t wait to see the new FUSSBALLLIEBE FINALE ball in the deciding matches and wish all teams the best of luck as they compete to be the best team in Europe.”
adidas also reveals today a brand new matchball plinth for the Semi-Final and Final pre-match ceremonies. Designed by Gonzalez Haase, an innovative, Berlin-based artistic duo renowned for their boundary-pushing approach, the plinth is made of anodised aluminum in the shape of a triangular prism. The prism is made up of 54 triangles, representing the 54 UEFA associations that competed in the UEFA EURO 2024TM qualification rounds.
The FUSSBALLLIEBE FINALE Official Match Ball upholds adidas’ commitment to contribute 1% of net sales towards Common Goal, supporting initiatives that drive lasting social change for under-served communities, helping to create a better and more inclusive future through football.
Priced at R 2 699, the FUSSBALLLIEBE FINALE Official Match Ball is available to purchase today in adidas retail and selected retailers, and online at adidas.co.za
INFO SUPPLIED.
