Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has come under scrutiny following his candid remarks about the Mitre Ultimax Pro ball used in the FA Cup.
Could Guardiola face action for his FA cup ball criticism?
After a 3-1 victory over Plymouth Argyle, Guardiola expressed dissatisfaction, stating,
“The ball is not proper. I’m sorry. For many years it’s happened in the FA Cup and Carabao Cup.
I know it’s a business and they come to agreements, but the ball is not [good].”
Guardiola attributed his team’s lack of shooting accuracy to the ball’s quality, noting that many shots went over the bar, which he found unusual.
He compared it unfavorably to the balls used in the Premier League and Champions League, which he described as “exceptional.”
In response, the Football Association (FA) defended the Mitre ball’s quality.
A spokesperson stated, “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.”
The FA emphasized the ball’s performance, highlighting that over 350 goals had been scored in the knockout competition so far, underscoring its role in an exciting and competitive tournament.
This isn’t the first time a Premier League manager has voiced concerns about match balls in domestic competitions.
Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta previously criticized the Puma ball used in the Carabao Cup, following a loss to Newcastle.
He commented on the ball’s tendency to “fly a lot,” suggesting it impacted his team’s shooting accuracy.
Former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett weighed in on the issue, suggesting that Guardiola’s comments could negatively impact sales and the reputation of the Mitre product.
He noted that such remarks might prompt the FA to take action, possibly issuing a strongly worded letter to the manager.
As Manchester City advances to the FA Cup quarter-finals, set to face Bournemouth, the focus may shift from the pitch to potential repercussions from Guardiola’s outspoken critique.
Whether the FA will take formal action remains to be seen, but the incident has sparked a broader conversation about equipment standards in top-tier football competitions.
