Al Rihla at journey’s end as Adidas brings in new Al Hilm ball for final rounds

December 12 – FIFA will debut a new Adidas ball for the final four matches of the Qatar 2022 World Cup, with the ball in action for the first time tonight in the Argentina vs Croatia semi-final.

Named Al Hilm, which translates as ‘The Dream’ in Arabic, the new ball follows on from the Official Match Ball of the group stages, Al Rihla, or ‘The Journey’.

The difference in the balls is the design with Al Hilm set on a textured gold base colour which features a subtle triangular pattern, drawing its design influence from the sparkling deserts that surround Doha, the colour of the World Cup trophy, and the pattern of the Qatar flag.

In all other aspects it is the same ball, using the same ‘connected ball’ technology that transmits data from the ball to Video Match Officials, supporting the new semi-automated offside system and giving Video Assistant Referees (VAR) instantaneous information to help with decision-making.

Designed with sustainability in mind, it is the first official match ball created with water-based glues and inks.

The clever tech part is a new adidas Suspension System in the centre of the ball which hosts and stabilises a 500Hz inertial measurement unit (IMU) motion sensor, which sends an unprecedented level of data and information to match officials.

Johannes Holzmüller, Director of Football Technology & Innovation at FIFA, said: “With the development of the connected ball technology, adidas made it possible that an additional important layer of information is available to the video match officials. The data from the ball unlocks new insights for storytelling around the unique moments on the pitch at this World Cup.”

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