The developer of the Adidas 'Jabulani' World Cup ball Dr Andy Harland has launched a staunch defence of his design after it was blasted by international footballers.
England goalkeeper David James has described the ball as 'dreadful' and 'horrible', while Spain shot stopper Iker Casillas has compared it to a 'beach ball'. Others say it 'weird' and even 'jinxed'.
"Jabulani', billed as the roundest football ever made, was launched in December and will be used in every match in South Africa. It has been made with a series of grooves on the outside meant to increase the aerodynamic balance.
Harland - who developed the ball at
Loughborough University – tells Sky Sports that the criticism comes from the players unfamiliarity and none have contacted him.
"I've seen nothing that's concerned me," Harland says.
"This ball has been around since December and been used since then around the world with very few comments.
"Teams have gone to altitude and you've seen comments come out in those circumstances. We've said all along it would affect the ball, but it should be said whichever ball you play with at altitude is going to be affected.
"It's not entirely unexpected. Before every tournament players come out and voice their opinions. There are no secrets about this ball. The ball is designed to allow the very best players in the world to exhibit their skills."
Adidas have also released an official statement to refute the claims made in recent weeks.
It said: "Adidas is the world's leading match ball producer and its experience and track record of introducing match ball innovations is unparalleled.
"The Adidas Jabulani meets or exceeds all Fifa Approved Standards, and tests from the University of Loughborough scientifically prove its unprecedented stable flight and laser like precision.
England goalkeeper David James has described the ball as 'dreadful' and 'horrible', while Spain shot stopper Iker Casillas has compared it to a 'beach ball'. Others say it 'weird' and even 'jinxed'.
"Jabulani', billed as the roundest football ever made, was launched in December and will be used in every match in South Africa. It has been made with a series of grooves on the outside meant to increase the aerodynamic balance.
Harland - who developed the ball at
Loughborough University – tells Sky Sports that the criticism comes from the players unfamiliarity and none have contacted him."I've seen nothing that's concerned me," Harland says.
"This ball has been around since December and been used since then around the world with very few comments.
"Teams have gone to altitude and you've seen comments come out in those circumstances. We've said all along it would affect the ball, but it should be said whichever ball you play with at altitude is going to be affected.
"It's not entirely unexpected. Before every tournament players come out and voice their opinions. There are no secrets about this ball. The ball is designed to allow the very best players in the world to exhibit their skills."
Adidas have also released an official statement to refute the claims made in recent weeks.
It said: "Adidas is the world's leading match ball producer and its experience and track record of introducing match ball innovations is unparalleled.
"The Adidas Jabulani meets or exceeds all Fifa Approved Standards, and tests from the University of Loughborough scientifically prove its unprecedented stable flight and laser like precision.
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