RIO DE JANEIRO — The new ball for next year's World Cup — called the “Brazuca,” in honor of Brazil, of course — was unveiled at a ceremony Tuesday in Rio de Janeiro. The word “Brazuca” has a double meaning, used as a term for Brazilians living abroad — including its many footballers — but also as slang used to describe national pride or anything “Brazilianish.” Manufacturer Adidas said the ball offers “breakthrough innovation” featuring what it calls a “revolutionary six-panel design.” The ball is decorated with a ribbon design in shades of blue, gold and green, which Adidas said symbolizes the traditional “wish bracelets” worn in Brazil. The ball makes its real debut on June 12 in the opening game in Sao Paulo, and will be used until the final July 13 in Rio de Janeiro. “The FIFA World Cup match ball is the icon of the tournament as the centerpiece of every goal, every play and every touch,” said Ernesto Bruce, director of football for Adidas America. “Adidas has a rich legacy at the World Cup, providing the official match ball for every tournament since 1970.” Some World Cup balls are more popular than others, with players often complaining about the feel of a new ball or the way it moves in the air. Goalkeepers often say they have trouble tracking the new models, which seem to move faster at every World Cup tournament. Adidas manufactured a ball named “Jabulani” for the 2010 in South Africa, which was heavily criticized by some players who said its movements were unpredictable. The “Brazuca” was unveiled at a ceremony at Parque Lage in Rio's lush Botanical Garden. The prize money at next year's World Cup Finals, meanwhile, will be increased by at least a third from that on offer in South Africa in 2010, FIFA General Secretary Jerome Valcke said Tuesday. The overall prize money for the tournament will rise to approximately $560.0 million, around $140m more than the $420m available in 2010, when $30m was on offer to the winners. It means the winners of next year's tournament in Brazil will pick up around $40m. “There will be a large increase of at least 33 percent if you compare (the prize money) with the last World Cup, but this figure will be confirmed after the finance committee meets,” Valcke, speaking at a news conference at the resort in Bahia state where the draw for the Finals will take place Friday, told reporters. “Also, there will be around $70 million available to the clubs who provide players for the teams in the World Cup, higher than last time as well.” Valcke said full details of the prize money would be announced Wednesday. The prize money available in South Africa was 60 percent higher than that offered for the 2006 Finals in Germany. Friday's draw itself will feature eight groups of four teams and one of nine non-seeded European nations will face being moved into pot 2 alongside the five-strong African contingent and two South American sides. — Agencies
