NYON, Switzerland (AP) 鈥 A high-tech soccer ball that helps with more accurate offside decisions will make its European Championship debut next year in Germany after being used at the 2022 World Cup.
the ball for Euro 2024 in Berlin on Wednesday. It is named 鈥淔ussballliebe,鈥 the German word for 鈥渓ove of soccer,鈥 and will be used at next year's 51-game tournament from June 14-July 14.
A chip fixed on a gyroscope inside the ball sends data 500 times per second to record the point at which it is kicked. The 鈥渒ick point鈥 helps match officials make offside decisions using multiple camera angles to create 3D visualizations that illustrate player movement.
UEFA said the 鈥渃onnected ball technology (gives) unprecedented insight into every element of the movement of the ball and contributing to UEFA鈥檚 video assistant refereeing decision-making process.鈥
Adidas also supplies balls to FIFA for the men's and women鈥檚 World Cups.
UEFA highlighted the sustainable qualities of the 鈥淔ussballliebe,鈥 using recycled polyester and water-based ink, plus materials including corn fibers, sugar cane and wood pulp.
Adidas has pledged 1% of net sales of the ball to the Common Goal soccer charity created by former Spain midfielder Juan Mata.
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