Since January 1, 1996 only those outdoor footballs which have been tested and meet the demanding quality criteria, bearing either of the official markings 'FIFA Approved', 'FIFA Inspected' or 'International Matchball Standard,' are allowed to be used in FIFA competition matches and competition matches under the auspices of the six continental Confederations. As of January 1, 2000 the quality testing and certification has also become compulsory for indoor footballs used for international matches under the auspices of FIFA and the Confederations.
Laws of the Game, Law 2 - The Ball
Futsal Laws of the Game, Law 2 - The Ball
FIFA Quality Concept
The FIFA Quality Concept for Footballs is a test programme for outdoor and indoor footballs. Manufacturers have the possibility to enter into a licensing agreement for the use of the prestigious 'FIFA Approved' and 'FIFA Inspected' Quality Marks on footballs which have passed a rigorous testing procedure. As an alternative there is the possibility to use the wording 'International Matchball Standard'. Footballs bearing this designation have passed the same quality requirements as 'FIFA Inspected' footballs. The use of this designation is however not subject to a licence fee.
There are two levels of criteria for the three designations. Footballs applying for the category 'FIFA Inspected' or the technically equivalent 'International Matchball Standard' must pass the following six rigorous laboratory tests:
- Weight
- Circumference
- Sphericity
- Loss of Air Pressure
- Water Absorption
-
Rebound
Footballs applying for the higher 'FIFA Approved' mark must pass the six tests at an even more demanding level and must undergo an additional test:
- Shape and Size Retention (Shooting Test)
Click on one of the links below to see an overview of the detailed test criteria for the 'FIFA Approved' and 'FIFA Inspected' categories including outdoor and indoor footballs.
Outdoor Football Test Criteria
Indoor Football Test Criteria
OUTDOOR FOOTBALL TEST CRITERIA
| Property |
Ball Size 5 |
Ball Size 4 |
Specifications |
| |
Approved |
Inspected |
Inspected |
| Weight |
420 - 445 grams |
410 - 450 grams |
350 - 390 grams |
ball pressure: 0.8 bar |
| Circumference |
68.5 - 69.5 cm |
68.0 - 70.0 cm |
63.5 - 66.0 cm |
ball pressure: 0.8 bar |
| Sphericity |
max. 1.5 % |
max. 2 % |
max. 2 % |
ball pressure: 0.8 bar(deviation of themeasured mean value) |
| Loss of Pressure |
max. 20 % |
max. 25 % |
max. 25 % |
ball pressure: 1.0 bar at the start of the test max. loss of air after3 days (72h) |
| Water Absorption |
average water uptake of the initial weight of the tested balls: 10%
max. water uptake per ball not to exceed 15%
|
average water uptake of the initial weight of the tested balls: 15%
max. water uptake per ball not to exceed 20%
|
average water uptake of the initial weight of the tested balls: 15%
max. water uptake per ball not to exceed 20%
|
ball pressure: 0.8 bar tank filled with water2 cm height 250 compressions with constant ball rotation, ball deformation max. 25% |
|
Rebound at 20°C
Rebound at 5°C
|
120 - 165 cm
min. 120 cm
max. difference between lowest and highest rebound per ball tested: 10cm
|
115 - 165 cm
min. 110 cm
max. difference between lowest and highest rebound per ball tested: 10cm
|
110 - 160 cm
min. 110 cm
max. difference between lowest and highest rebound per ball tested: 10cm
|
ball pressure: 0.8 bar each ball being dropped 10 times (on to different panels) from a height of 2 meters onto a steel plate |
Shape and Size Retention Test including change of pressure
- increase in circumference
- deviation on sphericity
- change of pressure
|
Measured after 2000 kicks seams and air-valve undamaged
max. 1.5 cm
max. 1.5%
max. 0.1 bar
|
|
ball pressure: 0.8 bar shooting onto a steel panel at approx. 50 km/h
Shooting length: 2.50 m
|
Tests are conducted at room temperature (approx. 20°C) and 65% humidity.
Exception: Rebound measured at 20°C and at 5°C.
INDOOR FOOTBALL TEST CRITERIA
| Property |
Approved |
Inspected |
Specifications |
| Weight |
410 - 430 grams |
400 - 440 grams |
ball pressure: 0.6 bar |
| Circumference |
62.5 - 63.5 cm |
62.0 - 64.0 cm |
ball pressure: 0.6 bar |
| Sphericity |
max. 1.5 % |
max. 2 % |
ball pressure: 0.6 bar |
| Loss of Pressure |
max. 20 % |
max. 25 % |
ball pressure: 0.6 bar at the start of the test max. loss of air after 3 days (72h) |
| Rebound |
55 - 65 cm |
50 - 65 cm |
ball pressure: 0.6 bar each ball being dropped from a height of 2 meters onto a wooden floor |
| Balance |
max. 5 ° |
max. 7.5 ° |
ball pressure: 0.6 bar ball being rolled down an inclined slope onto a table with predetermined rolling direction / angle deviation of rolling direction is measured. |
Shape and Size Retention Test including change of pressure
-
increase in circumference
-
deviation on sphericity
- change of pressure
|
Measured after 2000 kicks seams and air-valve undamaged
max. 1.0 cm
max. 1.5%
max. 0.1 bar
|
|
ball pressure: 0.6 bar shooting onto a steel panel at approx. 50 km/h
Shooting length: 2.50 m
|
Tests will be conducted at room temperature (approx. 20°C) and 65% humidity.
Click on one of the links below to see a complete list of Licensees under the FIFA Quality Concept for Footballs or test laboratories authorised to perform the testing.
Licensees
Selected Testing Laboratories
Copyright © 1994-2002 FIFA. All rights reserved.
Copyright © 1994-2002 En-Linea, Inc. All rights reserved.
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