Adidas has always come through with innovative technology in making soccer balls for major tournaments. The brand did do something innovative and different with the match-balls for the FIFA World Cup 2022. However, this time around, they have taken a step ahead for the balls that will be used in Euro 2024.
As per a report by ‘Transfer News Live’ on its official ‘X’ account, the ball made by Adidas for the UEFA Euro 2024 will feature an embedded microchip at its disposal. The purpose of this microchip is to aid match officials in the accurate identification of handball incidents during the game.
🚨 The Adidas EURO 2024 ball will have a microchip to help officials detect handballs.
The microchip will work in tandem with limb-tracking technology that enables the real-time creation of 3D visual representations of players.
These devices allow VARs to create a computerized… pic.twitter.com/PfKcFuv3nq
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) December 4, 2023
The ball is also supposed to have an innovative limb-tracking methodology. This limb-tracking configuration will work alongside the embedded microchip. It will help in the on-the-spot creation of the visual images of the players. The visuals created will be three-dimensional (3D) in nature.
The 3D nature of the visuals will allow the Video assistant referees (VAR) to be able to locate the exact spot on the body where the ball has hit a player. With the issues going on in soccer matches all around the world, related to controversial penalty decisions, this innovation brought on by Adidas might prove to be a boon for the game of soccer.
Materials used in the making of the Adidas Euro 2024 ball
Adidas claims that in addition to technological innovation, their Euro 2024 ball also stands for sustainability. The ball is curated from bio-based substances. It is made up of corn fibers, rubber, polyester (recycled), and wood pulp.
Furthermore, the artwork on the ball is induced by an ink that is completely water-based. It can be illustrated that by the way in which this ball is crafted, and the materials used in it, the company has given the agenda of environmental sustainability a massive significance.
Technology previously used by Adidas in the balls for FIFA World Cup 2022
Adidas had previously used innovative technology patterns in the balls produced for the FIFA World Cup 2022. The World Cup ball was designed with Adidas’ connected ball technology. The ball bolstered the use of an embedded motion sensor.
The sensor helped in processing the on-pitch image information nearly 500 times each second. This cutting-edge projection, helped the match referees to make better decisions in crucial moments of the game. The sensor was placed inside the match-balls.
It can be said that Adidas has never been hesitant to take a step further when it comes to innovation in regard to soccer. The brand has over the years, only looked to make the game better and fairer for all those involved in it, whether it’s spectators, match officials, or the players themselves.