Sports

Pep Guardiola Slams FA Cup Ball After Manchester City’s Win Over Plymouth

Published

1 month ago

Mar 3, 2025.

Dennis

Pep Guardiola criticizes the Mitre ball used in the FA Cup, calling it difficult to control.
The FA defends the ball, stating it meets FIFA standards and performs well in the competition.
Despite Guardiola’s concerns, some Premier League teams had better shot accuracy in the FA Cup than in league matches.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has voiced his frustration over the quality of footballs used in England’s domestic cup competitions, particularly the Mitre balls employed in the FA Cup.

His criticism comes months after Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta faced ridicule for expressing similar concerns about the ball used in the Carabao Cup following his side’s semi-final defeat to Newcastle.

City secured a 3-1 victory over Championship side Plymouth in the FA Cup on Saturday, but Guardiola was left unimpressed after his team registered 20 shots off target.

“The ball in the Champions League is exceptional, the ball in the Premier League is exceptional—this one isn’t,” Guardiola stated. “It’s difficult to control.

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“When you lose, it sounds like an excuse, but the ball is not right. This has been the case for years in the FA Cup and Carabao Cup. I know it’s a business and there are agreements, but just look at how many shots flew over the bar. In other games, those would normally go in.”

While Nike supplies the Premier League’s match balls, UEFA competitions use Adidas, and the EFL Cup features Puma balls. The FA Cup, meanwhile, relies on Mitre’s Ultimax Pro.

In response to Guardiola’s remarks, an FA spokesperson defended the ball, stating:

“Mitre’s Ultimax Pro ball, used in the Emirates FA Cup and all other FA competitions, has undergone FIFA testing. All footballs in the professional game must meet FIFA Quality Pro accreditation, and this ball meets all requirements.

“Alongside Mitre, we acknowledge that preference is subjective, but we are confident in the ball’s performance. With over 350 goals scored in the knockout rounds so far, it has certainly contributed to an exciting tournament.”