Our design teams have created an official replica of the UEFA Europa League ball.
Designers, as well as engineers
The DNA worked into this ball (i.e. the formal base on which a graphic design is placed) combines technical characteristics and balance. The spatial perception and visual effects associated with the ball during its movements have been worked on so as not to cause any visual discomfort to players, thus supporting the design choice.
Designed in France
This ball, like our entire range, is 100% designed in France and has been rigorously tested by a combination of laboratory and field tests. It therefore meets the strictest standards and requirements, as well as complying with a whole range of additional tests, developed specifically by Decathlon. In addition to normative tests, our Kipsta Certification Unit carries out additional tests, which enable us to design, but also to objectively compare our products.
Too light? Too heavy? The weight is standardised...
This ball weighs between 410 g and 450 g (size 5) and complies with official FIFA standards. Approved by FIFA Basic.
A "round" ball?
Here's how we test sphericity: Average measured variation: Maximum 1.8% (FIFA Basic certification). We measure the sphericity of the football at 4500 different points, and then examine any discrepancies. If the discrepancy is greater than 1.8% (FIFA Basic Standard), our engineers are tasked with improving the sphericity to ensure a consistent bounce.
The durability of our balls
We have developed a tool to characterise the durability of our balls. The defects that appear during use are identified and evaluated via a series of laboratory tests. These tests enable us to compare the overall strength of our footballs with those available on the market. Our aim: to have the most durable products on the market.
WHAT IS THE KIPSTA CERTIFICATION TEAM?
The Kipsta certification unit is made up of qualified field test engineers, known for: defining specific protocols and tests relating to how products will be used. Recruiting qualified testers with an appropriate level to evaluate the products' functions. Objective analysis of results, using statistical tools. These tests cover the durability, sustained inflation, and technical functions of the ball.
The story behind this ball
This ball is an exclusive Kipsta design and features some of the same technical choices as our Official Match Ball. What you need to know
- It features thermo-bonding technology: a seamless ball.- It is made up of 12 panels with an exclusive shape.
Maximum pressure loss test: here's what we do...
Here's how we test pressure loss: We inflate the ball to the recommended pressure (i.e. 0.8 bar). 72 hours later, the ball should not have lost more than 15% of its pressure, which means approximately 0.1 bar (FIFA Basic certification). The pressure after 72 hours should therefore be approximately 0.7 bar. This also means that it is quite normal for a ball to lose pressure after a few days.
What about you? What do you think?
We value your feedback and use it to continuously improve our products. A big thank you in advance for sharing your feedback with us.
Kipstadium, in Tourcoing, France
To design our balls, we have a dedicated team, as well as a laboratory based in France. The Ball team in France is made up of product engineers, component engineers and testing engineers, meaning we are able to master the entire ball design process, from components to technical validation.
Not even a scratch!
The most rigorous test we put this ball through is the shooting machine test. The ball must withstand 2,500 shots against a concrete slope at 50 km/h at a distance of 2.5 m. At the end of the test, we check:- the general condition of the ball: the stitching must withstand this test
- the circumference: It must not have increased by more than 1.5 cm.- the sphericity: it must not have changed by more than 1.8%
- the pressure: The pressure loss must not exceed 12.5%.
How big is it? What's the circumference?
This ball measures between 68.0 cm and 70.0 cm and complies with official FIFA standards. Approved by FIFA Basic.
It's all about the bounce
Here's the rebound test: The ball is dropped onto a steel plate 10 times from a height of 2 metres. The bounce height must be between 125 and 155 cm with a maximum difference of 10 cm between the highest and lowest bounce of the ball.
Kipsta, official ball supplier to the UEFA Europa and Conference League
The UEFA Board of Directors appointed Kipsta, the Decathlon group's football brand, as the new official UEFA supplier. Kipsta premium footballs, designed in France, are awarded the FIFA Quality Pro label and undergo quality tests at different stages of production. With the official balls of the UEFA Europa and UEFA Conference Leagues, Kipsta wants to demonstrate its know-how at the highest level of competition.
Our ball laboratory
At Decathlon, we have been testing our balls for more than 15 years with the aim of validating our products during the design, industrialisation and post-production phases. A laboratory 100% dedicated to ball tests was even created in 2018 on the Kipstadium site in France. More than a dozen tests are carried out on our balls. First of all, there are the tests required by FIFA, as well as other additional tests, created by the engineers within our laboratory.
Decathlon, the designer
With 40 years of experience as a designer, Decathlon bases the development of its products on desirability and accessibility for all, implying a notion of universality in their design (age, gender and nationality). The group's aesthetic line, and therefore Kipsta's, is a balance between our convictions (simple, technical and smart products) and our measured, universal and modern artistic direction.
We also tested how much water the ball absorbs...
Here's how we test water absorption: We simulate rainy playing conditions in a laboratory, by leaving the ball to sit in 2 cm of water on a rotating support while undergoing 250 compressions. At the end of the test, the ball must have absorbed no more than 10% of its weight (FIFA Basic certification).
Experience the emotions of your idols and share the vibration of the net or the goalpost. Experience football as you love it - that's all that matters.
Stable flight
Achieved a score of 5.74 in a protocol-based test. 12 panels.
Bounce
The ball meets FIFA standards in terms of durability.
Durability
The ball meets FIFA standards in terms of durability.
Lasting air retention
12% pressure loss in 14 days.
Our design teams have created an official replica of the UEFA Europa League ball.
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