Forwarded by Tejwant Singh Malik ji
JOHANNESBURG — FIFA acknowledges there might be something wrong with the Jabulani World Cup ball, but won't act on any problems until after the tournament.
Many players have likened the Jabulani to a "supermarket ball," saying it is too unpredictable and flies through the air too easily.
"We're not deaf," FIFA secretary general Jerome Valcke said Saturday. "FIFA is not unreceptive about what has been said about the ball."
Valcke said FIFA will discuss the matter with coaches and teams after the World Cup, then meet with manufacturer Adidas.
"There are rules for size and weight. ... But the ball has to be perfect," he added.
Goalkeepers have complained about the ball at every recent World Cup, although this time forwards and even coaches have added their laments.
Brazil coach Dunga got into a verbal spat with Valcke over the Jabulani before the tournament, challenging the FIFA executive to come out onto the pitch and attempt controlling it.
Denmark defender Daniel Agger said the ball made some outfielders look like "drunken sailors."
The Jabulani could create even more problems in the knockout phase beginning Saturday, when games could be decided by penalty kick shootouts.
