- FA defends the Mitre ball after Guardiola calls it “not proper.”
- Guardiola criticises FA Cup ball, comparing it unfavourably to Premier League and Champions League balls.
- FA insists the ball meets FIFA standards despite manager complaints.
The Football Association has strongly defended the Mitre ball used in FA Cup matches this season after Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola called it “difficult to control.”
Following his side’s 3-1 fifth-round win over Plymouth on Saturday, Guardiola criticised the ball, comparing it unfavorably to those used in the Premier League and Champions League, stating it was “not proper.”
Earlier this season, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta also faced ridicule for complaining about the Puma ball used in the League Cup after his team’s 4-0 aggregate semi-final defeat to Newcastle.
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In response to Guardiola’s remarks, the FA reaffirmed the quality of the FA Cup ball, stating it meets all necessary standards.
“Mitre’s Ultimax Pro ball—used in the Emirates FA Cup and all other FA competitions—has been tested in accordance with FIFA testing,” said an FA spokesperson. “It delivers against all of the testing requirements.”
“All footballs in the professional game are required to meet the FIFA Quality pro accreditation, and this ball delivers against all of the testing requirements.
“Alongside Mitre, we understand that preference is subjective, but we’re confident that the ball performs well. With over 350 goals scored in the knockout competition so far, it provides an exciting element to such a competitive tournament.”
Guardiola said after his team’s victory against Championship strugglers Plymouth: “The ball is not proper, I’m sorry. For many, many years it’s happened in the FA Cup or Carabao (League) Cup.
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“I know it’s a business and they come to agreements, but the ball is not (good). You know how many shots went over the post? Not just Erling (Haaland)’s — look at other games.”
Manchester City scored three goals over the weekend from 29 attempts, with nine shots hitting the target.
In their latest Premier League outing, a 1-0 victory over Tottenham, they registered 12 shots, five of which were on target.
“The Champions League ball is exceptional, the Premier League ball is exceptional, but this one is not good,” Guardiola remarked.
The Champions League uses Adidas balls, while the Premier League opts for Nike.
Last season’s FA Cup runners-up, City, have been drawn against Bournemouth in the quarter-finals.
