EFL defend Puma in statement after Arteta blames loss on match ball | OneFootball

The EFL have made a statement in defence of the Carabao Cup match ball after Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said it affected his side’s performance against Newcastle.

Arsenal fell 2-0 to Newcastle in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final on Tuesday night, and, speaking at full-time, Arteta was cautious to blame his players, instead choosing to hit out at the match ball, saying it was “very different to a Premier League ball, and you have to adapt because it flies differently… you have to adapt to that.”

But the EFL, who handle the Carabao Cup, have responded in defence of the Puma-manufactured ball, pointing out that it is used in several other competitions, including LaLiga and Serie A, without complaint.

The statement, made to The Sun, read: “As is required throughout the professional game, the Puma ball used in this season’s Carabao Cup and in EFL competition since 2021/22 is tested in accordance with the Fifa Quality Programme for Footballs, and meets the FIFA Quality Pro standard.

“In addition to the Carabao Cup, the same ball has been successfully used in other major European leagues, including both Serie A and LaLiga and our three divisions in the EFL.

“All Clubs play with the same ball, and we have received no further comments of this nature following any of the previous 88 fixtures which have taken place in this season’s Carabao Cup.”

Puma is also set to start manufacturing the Premier League’s official match balls from next season.