Adidas on Monday unveiled the new OCEAUNZ Final Pro Official Match Ball to be used in the semi-finals, third place play-off and final of the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia and New Zealand 2023.
Like its predecessor, the OCEAUNZ Final Pro is inspired by nature, drawing its visual identity from a defining Australian vista – the Sydney skyline.
Its warm orange and gold coloring provides a subtle nod to the evening sunsets that shimmer across the city due to host the tournament final, as well as the golden colour of the ultimate prize – the coveted FIFA Women’s World Cup trophy.
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The updated hues provide a fresh backdrop for the cultural markings – developed by local artists Chern’ee Sutton and Fiona Collis – seen on the ball used for the group stages of the tournament.
Solène Störmann, Global Category Director for Football Hardware at adidas said: “As the sun comes down on the FIFA Women’s World Cup, it’s important to reflect on how remarkable the tournament has been and honor the moment, using the ball at the heart of that celebration.
“This is also a ball that looks towards the football of tomorrow via a 1% contribution of net sales towards initiatives supporting the communities shaping the game for the next generation of female football players.
All eyes now turn towards Sydney for the finale of one of the most exciting tournaments in living memory.
“We can’t wait to see the new OCEAUNZ ball in play on the biggest stage and wish all teams the best of luck in the final stages of the tournament as they compete for the game’s most coveted prize.”
First revealed by the brand at the adidas Stadium located at Mrs Macquarie’s Chair, the OCEAUNZ Final Pro is the first FIFA Women’s World Cup final Official Match Ball to feature Connected Ball technology – which delivers precise ball data to video match officials in real time.
Combining player position data with AI, the innovation contributes to FIFA’s semi-automated offside technology and has been key to supporting in match decisions.
The technology also enhances the overall fan viewing experience by offering accurate measurement of in-play data including the ball speed, spin and distance the ball travelled before hitting the back of the net to watching fans.
The innovations continue, with the ball delivering a ground-breaking core called CTR-CORE, designed to improve accuracy and consistency with maximum shape and air retention, and a SPEEDSHELL polyurethane (PU) skin with a new 20-piece panel shape to enhance aerodynamics.
It also upholds adidas’ commitment to contribute 1% of net sales towards Common Goal’s ‘Equal Play Effect’ (previously known as ‘Global Goal 5 Accelerator’).
This is a collective project to increase female participation, representation and leadership in the grassroots game that helps to ensure that every girl participant has a female athlete role model in their community.
Priced at €150, the OCEAUNZ Final Pro Official Match Ball is available for purchase.
Source:FIFA Media