The ball will be more technologically advanced than ever before, using artificial intelligence to assist with refereeing decisions. Made with bio-sustainable materials and given a meaningful name: Fussballliebe (German for “love of football”), the UEFA Euro 2024 official ball from Adidas already made its debut in the final qualification games and will be a focal point of tomorrow’s draw in Hamburg. In celebration of Euro 2024, the ball features red, blue, green, and orange around the tournament logo, highlighting the colours of the competing European nations. The names of the 10 German cities that will host the various fixtures and illustrations of their stadiums also feature.

The most revolutionary aspect of the Fussballliebe is the technological advancement: thanks to adidas’ Connected Ball Technology, developed alongside Kinexon, it will be able to send data which, combined with artificial intelligence and the position of the players, will help supplement the semi-automatic offside technology and will identify any contact with the ball, useful in potential handball situations or penalty kicks. At the centre of the ball is a suspension system that houses a motion sensor powered by a rechargeable battery and with a 500 Hz inertial measurement unit (IMU), which can provide unprecedented insight into every movement of the ball.

Made up of 20 PECISIONSHELL panels and embossed grooves that strategically hug the ball’s outer shell, the composition of the match ball has been meticulously researched and tested both on and off the pitch to ensure a controlled airflow around the ball and to improve aerodynamics. The outer shell is supported by an innovative CTR-CORE, a central air chamber comprised of sustainable natural rubber with a double-layer outer shell of PES material that provides resistance and structural integrity. As well as using recycled polyester and water-based ink, the FUSSBALLLIEBE has been created with several sustainable bio-materials that are an improvement on adidas’ previous match balls: each layer of the ball includes materials such as corn fibres, sugar cane, wood pulp, and rubber.

"Bringing our Connected Ball Technology to UEFA EURO 2024 - said Sam Handy, VP Product and Design of adidas Football - is a huge moment in the history of the tournament and the result of our commitment to innovation that improves the football experience for officials, players and fans". "We are committed to guaranteeing - stated Zvonimir Boban, UEFA Chief of Football - the highest standard of quality and appearance in every aspect of the Euros from the stadiums to the equipment".

Fussballliebe was presented at the Berlin Olympic Stadium and then in 9 other European cities that also received 900 footballs to donate to local schools and football clubs. Furthermore, 1% of the proceeds from sales of the match ball will be donated to Common Goal to support initiatives that promote social change to create a better future for football.

Fussballliebe Official Match Ball is available for 150,00 Euros in adidas stores, selected dealers, and on adidas.com. The Official Match Ball with Connected Ball Technology will not be available to purchase.