OCU analysis of footballs

Madrid, June 2.

OCU has made a comparative analysis of footballs and the results are published in the June OCU Compra Maestra magazine. The most surprising finding is that the replicas are not poor quality.
OCU sent 6 footballs to the laboratory. Three of them were the official balls for the World Cup, the Champions League and La Liga (the Spanish First Division) and three replica balls. The latter were footballs produced by the same brands (Adidas and Nike) and copy closely the official match balls, which possess the FIFA seal that certifies their properties.
In the laboratory, the balls were tested to evaluate eight different criteria for measuring quality (aerodynamics, roundness, weight, dimensions, bounce, water absorption, pressure loss and shape retention). Furthermore, there was a practical test with professional players.
The results

The Official Adidas Brazuca World Cup Brazil ball is the best of those analysed by OCU, followed by the Adidas Lisbon Champions League Final and the Nike Incyte LFP La Liga. All three share the same problem, their high price. They cost between 120 and 138 euros.
The results obtained by the replicas are more modest, though with an adequate level of quality.
These balls, on the other hand, have a much more affordable price. The Adidas Capitano, the replica of the ball used in the final of the Champions League, stands out and with a price of 20 euros gets the best buy award for its good quality.

In the opinion of OCU the official footballs are good quality and provide improved speed and aerodynamics, thanks to the special design of the pieces that make up the ball but at a high price and they are intended for professional competitions. OCU points out that the replica balls made ​​by the same manufacturer cost 6 times less and have better than acceptable results.
In the area of ​​Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), OCU has analyzed the Brazuca production conditions in China. This time no problems were found and the ball is made in compliance with CSR standards, also concerning the presence of chemicals.

More information at:
http://www.ocu.org/consumo-familia/nc/noticias/el-brazuca-si-compliant
For more information (media) Eva Jimenez Tel. 917 226 061 prensa@ocu.org