FIFA acknowledges problems with Jabulani ball

Johannesburg: FIFA has finally acknowledged that there may be something wrong with the Jabulani World Cup ball, but won’t act on the problem until after the tournament.

After numerous player complaints, FIFA secretary general Jerome Valcke says: “We’re not deaf. FIFA is not unreceptive about what has been said about the ball.” Valcke tells a news conference Saturday that FIFA will discuss the matter with coaches and teams after the World Cup, then meet with manufacturer Adidas. Many players have likened the Jabulani to a “supermarket ball,” saying it is too unpredictable and flies through the air too easily.“There are rules for size and weight. ... But the ball has to be perfect,” Valcke says. Bureau Report