Guardiola Criticizes the Ball Used in the FA Cup
The English Football Association has defended the ball used in this season’s FA Cup matches after Manchester City’s manager, Pep Guardiola, claimed it was “difficult to control.”
Guardiola compared the ball to those used in the Premier League and the UEFA Champions League after his team’s 3-1 victory over Plymouth in the fifth round on Saturday, stating that it was “unsuitable.”
Earlier this season, Arsenal’s manager, Mikel Arteta, was mocked for criticizing the “Puma” ball used in the EFL Cup. Arsenal lost their semi-final tie against Newcastle 4-0 on aggregate.
The English FA stated that the ball used in the FA Cup “meets all testing requirements.”
A spokesperson for the FA said: “The Mitre Ultimax Pro ball used in the FA Cup and all other FA competitions has been tested in accordance with FIFA’s standards.”
He added: “All balls used in professional football must comply with FIFA’s professional quality certification, and this ball meets all testing requirements.”
He continued: “Besides Mitre, we understand that preferences are subjective, but we are confident that the ball performs well. With over 350 goals scored in the knockout rounds so far, it adds an exciting element to such a competitive tournament.”
After Manchester City’s victory over Plymouth, a struggling Championship side, Guardiola said: “The ball was not suitable, I’m sorry. This has been happening for several years in the FA Cup and the EFL Cup.”
He added: “I know it’s about business contracts and agreements, but the ball was not (good). Do you know how many shots went over the bar? Not just Erling (Haaland)’s shot—look at other matches.”
City’s three goals came from a total of 29 shots, nine of which were on target.
