FIFA World Cup 2010: NASA put Jabulani to several aerodynamic tests and proved that the controversial new ball is flawed
The football world cup in South African has produced many firsts, for example Spain making it to the semi finals for the first time, 2 half brothers George and Kevin Prince Boateng playing against each other(Germany vs. Ghana,) defending champions knocked out in the first round.
However, the biggest first that started making news even before the tournament got underway is the ball being used in the world cup. Named ‘Jabulani’ that means ‘Celebration’ in Zulu (South Africa’s native language,) the ball has been under criticism especially from the goalkeepers, who say that the ball swerves and moves a bit too much in the air. There were number of goals in the world cup to second their claims.
Now NASA the American Space agency has come out and said that yes the claims of Jabulani behaving different compared to regular balls are not misplaced.
NASA put the ball to several aerodynamic tests and proved that there is something not right about the controversial new ball.
Experts from- NASA’s Ames Investigation centre have said that, Jabulani does behave unpredictably when it reaches the speed of around 44 miles per hour.
The ball that weighs just 440 grams has been under fire from experts outside NASA and number of players in the world cup, and NASA say that the lack of weight is one of the biggest reasons for the ball to behave the way it does. The light weight makes it more vulnerable to Knuckle effect, a force that the ball encounters when kicked with some force.
NASA further added that the altitude in South Africa may also have had some effect on the ball; most of the stadiums in South Africa are placed at a height of at least 1000 meters above sea level, so the change in altitude does affect the flight of the ball.
David James the England Goal Keeper was one of first players to criticise Jabulani, he said that the ball in simple words if being ‘Dreadful’ and ‘Horrible.’
Soon his feelings were shared by a number of goalkeepers from around the world; the general consensus was that the ball changes its path when in the air making it impossible for Keepers to save long range shots and Free kicks. Goalkeepers are generally blinded by players in front of them during free kicks and the get to sight the ball late, so the exaggerated movement does not help at all.
Spanish Keeper Iker Casillas said the call is appalling and not suitable for international or any level of football, while Italian keeper Gianluigi Buffon, who was part of Italy’s world cup winning team in 2006, said he is very disappointed that such an important competition will be played with such an ordinary ball.
Craig Johnston a former Liverpool player, who is now an expert in the science of appliance of technology to football, submitted an official 12 page complain to FIFA President Sepp Blatter pointing out the flaws of Jabulani and the negative effect it has had in the world cup.
Johnston submitted his report that comprised of all the complaints and criticisms by different players from across the world regarding Jabulani, and also highlighted the technical and obvious flaws of the ball that have hampered the game to big extent.
He said that he is risking his own reputation in openly sharing his views on the ball, and the decision by FIFA to use the ball may result in hurting the game in the long run.
FIFA meanwhile have said that the issue of this new ball-Jabulani will be discussed at length in the next meeting of football’s governing body to be held in September.
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