Fast, accurate and round

Developed by Bayer the fastest and most accurate football ever is currently in use in the World Cup. The ball takes advantage of the latest technology and materials. Called Fevernova, it is 25 per cent more precise and 10 per cent faster than the 1998 match ball. Kicking tests with robots showed that, at a distance of 20 to 25m, the ball can repeatedly strike an area just 20cm across and can travel at speeds of up to 81mph (130km/h). The ball's performance is the result of a new combination of materials. It has a polymer outer skin under which is a layer of foam. Under the foam is a new knitted textile mesh that in turn covers the latex bladder. The mesh provides strength that limits the initial deformation when the ball is kicked and helps the ball remain spherical in flight as distortion would lead to an uneven airflow around the ball – making it veer off course. The foam is key to force transfer. It contains a regular pattern of gas-filled bubbleswhich ensure the applied force is faithfully transferred to the ball. The bubbles are also highly elastic, meaning the ball is soft enough to be kicked comfortably but absorbs very little energy. As a result, more of the applied energy goes into propelling the ball forward, so it travels faster. The ball also has a weight advantage. A large, light ball would tend to wobble like a balloon if kicked hard. So Fevernova has been created near FIFA's lower limit of circumference and upper limit of weight, because heavier and smaller balls have the most accurate trajectory.