By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

‘OCEAUNZ’ is the Official Match Ball for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023. The tournament is being co-hosted by New Zealand and Australia starting from July 20 to Aug 20, 2023.

This makes it the ninth consecutive football created by adidas for the FIFA Women’s World Cup and it features the latest Connected Ball Technology to elevate match data and insights.

A press release by FIFA made available to journalists on its media channel on Tuesday said that the design of the Official Match Ball has been inspired by the unique landscapes of host countries Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand.

The statement partly reads: "Today, OCEAUNZ, the Official Match Ball of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™ was launched in spectacular fashion in Sydney/Gadigal, Australia, travelling over the iconic Sydney skyline by helicopter before arriving at Marks Park overlooking Bondi Beach.

“The ninth successive football produced by adidas for the FIFA Women’s World Cup, OCEAUNZ’s design is inspired by the unique natural landscapes of the two host nations, with visuals nodding to the vast mountains of Aotearoa New Zealand and Australia’s connection with the Indian Ocean.”

It described the ball as a celebration of the cultures of both host countries and features designs by Aboriginal artist, Chern’ee Sutton, and Māori artist, Fiona Collis.”

Continuing, the statement said: “Their art is also part of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 brand identity, Beyond Greatness.”

Speaking about the launch of OCEAUNZ, FIFA Secretary General Fatma Samoura said: “adidas has created an iconic Official Match Ball for the FIFA Women’s World Cup that reflects diversity, inclusivity and togetherness, fitting themes for the first-ever FIFA Women’s World Cup to be co-hosted by two different countries from different confederations.

She said that this edition of the tournament will be extremely special, saying that the rich cultures of Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand, as evoked on OCEAUNZ, are certain to take the experience of visiting fans and teams, "#BeyondGreatness.”

She explained that the Official Match Ball’s name reflects the coming together of Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand as host nations of the tournament.

Samoura added that OCEAUNZ features the same connected ball technology as was seen in Qatar at the FIFA World Cup 2022. This provides precise ball data, which will be made available to Video Match Officials in real-time.

“Combined with player position data and by applying artificial intelligence, the innovative connected ball technology contributes to FIFA’s semi-automated offside technology and offers Video Assistant Referees instantaneous information to help optimise decision-making,” she said.

She described the OCEAUNZ features thus: "CTR-CORE – a ground-breaking core within the ball that is designed to improve accuracy and consistency, supporting fast, precise play with maximum shape and air retention.

“SPEEDSHELL – The ball’s polyurethane (PU) skin features micro and macro textures and a new 20-piece panel shape, enhancing aerodynamics.

“CONNECTED BALL TECHNOLOGY – A Suspension System in the centre of the ball hosts and stabilises a 500Hz inertial measurement unit (IMU) motion sensor, providing unprecedented insight into every element of the movement of the ball. The sensor is powered by a rechargeable battery, which can be charged by induction."

Samoura added that OCEAUNZ will be available to purchase in adidas stores, at selected retailers and online atwww.adidas.com/football.

The FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 will kick-off in 177 days with New Zealand taking on Norway in the opening match on July 20, before Australia play the Republic of Ireland later that day. The Final will be held in Sydney / Gadigal on August 20.