Football Association hits back at Pep Guardiola over FA Cup match ball complaints | OneFootball

A spokesperson for the Football Association has hit back at Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola after his complaints over the FA Cup’s match ball.

The 54-year-old was very outspoken on the subject of the differences between the FA Cup’s match ball and the editions used in the Premier League and UEFA Champions League, claiming that the flight of the ball is completely different in the cup competition.

“Do you know how many shots go over the post? All of them. Not just Erling (Haaland), look at the other games! You have to be so precise, and the ball sometimes does what he wants,” Guardiola told reporters after the 3-1 win over Plymouth Argyle on Saturday evening.

The Manchester City manager also exclaimed, “The Champions League ball is exceptional, the Premier League ball is exceptional, but this one is not good,” sparking debate across social media about his comments.

Now, issuing statement in light of Guardiola’s complaints at the weekend, a spokesperson for the Football Association said, “Mitre’s Ultimax Pro ball – used in the Emirates FA Cup and all other FA competitions – has been tested in accordance with FIFA testing.

“All footballs in the professional game are required to meet the FIFA Quality pro accreditation, and this ball delivers against all of the testing requirements.

“Alongside Mitre, we understand that preference is subjective, but we’re confident that the ball performs well. With over 350 goals scored in the knockout competition so far, it provides an exciting element to such a competitive tournament.”

Manchester City will be hoping that despite their believed differences in match ball quality, that they can progress to yet another Wembley Stadium appearance in the FA Cup with a quarter-final clash against Bournemouth on the horizon.

That comes after successes in the third round over Salford City, the fourth round away to Leyton Orient, and most recently in the fifth round against Championship side Plymouth Argyle.

Before attentions can return towards the FA Cup, Manchester City have two major Premier League encounters to contend with as they travel to Nottingham Forest this weekend before hosting Brighton & Hove Albion at the Etihad Stadium.