The ball for the FIFA World Cup to be held from November 21 to December 18 in Qatar is called Al Rihla (the journey), Fifa announced on Twitter on Wednesday.
Dominantly white with blue and red stripes highlighted with gold, it bears the logo of Adidas, the sports equipment manufacturer which will market it from April 12.
It succeeds “Telstar 18”, the ball for the 2018 World Cup in Russia and “Brazuca” (Brazil 2014) or Jabulani (South Africa 2010).
According to Fifa, Al Rihla “has the fastest trajectories ever recorded (and) will contribute to the pace and quality of matches”.
It “draws its inspiration from the culture, architecture, traditional boats and flag of Qatar”, specifies one of the same source. (AFP)
