FIFA creates three new quality labels for balls, which will only be recognised from 01/01/2016

FIFA launched three new labels on 04/01/2015 as part of its quality programme for balls, said the international federation on 08/05/2015.

"FIFA Quality PRO", "FIFA Quality" and "IMS - International Match Standard" are the new quality labels to be used by FIFA. They replace the labels "FIFA Approved", "FIFA Inspected" and "International Matchball Standard", which remain on sale until 31/12/2015. As of 01/01/2016, only the new labels will be recognised.

"The new FIFA quality labels for balls will allow the standardisation of labels in the different areas covered by the FIFA Quality Programme (artificial pitches, goal-line technology and balls) while giving improved visibility to FIFA's commitment to greater safety, quality and reliability," said the international body.

• "In order to receive the new FIFA quality labels, balls must meet the latest requirements of the test manual of the 2015 FIFA Quality Programme for footballs, which includes more stringent tests in water absorption and retention of shape and size," said FIFA.

The three new labels in place since 01/04/2015