adidas confirmed that the 'smartball technology' that uses the a soccer ball as an information carrier to assist referees in determining whether or not a shot has crossed the goal line will not debut at the 2006 FIFA World Cup. It will also not be tested at the FIFA Club World Championship in Tokyo this December.
In consultation with the international football federation, FIFA, and in close cooperation with development partner Cairos Technologies AG in Karlsbad, Germany, the company has decided to focus on the further development and testing of the system before using it at tournaments on the highest professional level.
The adidas Match-Ball for the 2006 FIFA World Cup that will be unveiled at the Draw in Leipzig on December 9th will be the technologically most advanced football ever made, featuring a revolutionary new panel shape allowing players significant improvements in accuracy and control.
