“Al Rihla” has been revealed by adidas as the Official Match Ball for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. This is the 14th successive ball that adidas has created for the FIFA World Cup and it is designed to support peak game speeds, as it travels faster in flight than any ball in the tournament’s history.
“Al Rihla” is the Arabic word for a “journey” or “the travelogue that documents it”. The ball will be the first World Cup Official Match Ball with special features and innovation to provide precise ball data, which will be made available to Video Match Officials in real time. Combined with player position data and by applying artificial intelligence, the innovative connected ball technology contributes to FIFA’s semi-automated offside technology and offers Video Assistant Referees instantaneous information to help optimize decision making.
Holger Kraetschmer, Head of Consumer Foresight at Adidas is grateful for the contribution of Adidas to the game, “At Adidas we are committed to an active and consistent contribution to enhance the modern game for players and fans alike. From the latest boot technology to hardwear, kits, and now connected ball technology to assist with quick and accurate decision making to improve the experience for all, technology and innovation are at the heart of everything we do. “
The 2022 FIFA World Cup is scheduled to take place in Qatar from 21 November to 18 December 2022.
By Ferdinand A. Baah, Sports Journalist
