FIFA introduces new match ball for World Cup semifinals and ultimate

Replacing Al Rihla (The Journey), the match ball that was used to this point on the 2022 World Cup has been changed by FIFA with a brand new ball for the semifinals and ultimate in Qatar. The new ball named Al Hilm, which interprets to The Dream in English, is of the identical make and know-how barring the surface appearances which makes use of colours of the Qatari flag.

Adidas, the ball producer have used the identical ‘Connected Ball’ know-how by combining the ball knowledge captured by IMU sensors throughout the ball and making use of synthetic intelligence, the brand new know-how helps the semi-automated offside system, particularly by offering the precise second the ball is performed in tight offside conditions.

“With the development of the connected ball technology, adidas made it possible that an additional important layer of information is available to the video match officials. The data from the ball unlocks new insights for storytelling around the unique moments on the pitch at this World Cup,” the Director of Football Technology & Innovation at FIFA, Johannes Holzmüller stated.

On the ball design, which has refined hints to the desert area outdoors the capital metropolis of Doha, Nick Craggs, General Manager at Adidas stated, “Al Hilm represents a beacon of light on the power of sport and football to bring the world together. Millions will tune in from almost every country around the globe, united by their passion for the game. We wish all teams involved in the final stages of the tournament the best of luck as they compete on the largest stage that football has to offer.”

Al Rihla, which was used because the official ball up till the quarter finals, had confronted criticism for being too mild and never apt for scoring from free kicks.

“It’s just… I feel it’s a bit lighter,” England’s Kieran Trippier was quoted as saying by the Daily Telegraph. “It feels in the event you put an excessive amount of energy on it, it’ll simply fly away, however it’s a kind of the place we’ve got to take care of that, all of us do. We practice with the identical ones. It’s a soccer, isn’t it?!