"Guardiola Criticizes FA Cup Ball: Is It Really to Blame?"

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"Guardiola Criticizes FA Cup Ball: Is It Really to Blame?"
Photo: Jon Super/AP/TT

It's the ball's fault, or fault with the ball. Arsenal's manager Mikel Arteta had comments on the match ball's quality when the club was knocked out of the league cup. Now similar comments are coming from Pep Guardiola. This gets the English Football Association, FA, to rush to the ball's defense.

Guardiola complained after the win against Plymouth over the weekend about the ball used in the league and FA Cup.

The Champions League ball is exceptional, the Premier League ball is exceptional, but this one is not good, said Guardiola after the 3–1 win.

He explained that the many shots that went over the goal were due to the ball, which is of a different brand than those used in the league and in the Champions League.

But the FA comes to the ball's defense.

All footballs in professional play must meet Fifa's quality requirements and this ball meets all test requirements. We understand that it is a subjective opinion which ball is the best, but we are confident that this ball performs as it should, says a spokesperson for the association.

The opposing fans did not hesitate to mock Arteta after his statements following the 0–4 loss in total in the semifinals against Newcastle.

It remains to be seen how Guardiola's complaints are received.

Manchester City is clear for the quarterfinals, where Bournemouth awaits.

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By TTEnglish edition by Sweden Herald, adapted for local and international readers

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