FIFA Quality marks are an integral part of the FIFA Quality Programme. They are awarded to football products, technologies and surfaces that have been tested and certified to the FIFA Quality Programme’s standards. The quality marks help consumers identify the best and most reliable football products to make the buying process that bit easier.
In this guide we will go through the meaning of the different FIFA Quality marks and how football products such as footballs, can earn a quality mark. Knowing which football to buy can be very challenging with all the options available, so understanding the meaning of each quality mark will help narrow your choice down to only the best quality footballs.
History of FIFA Quality Marks
The first FIFA Quality marks were launched in 1996 alongside the FIFA Quality Programme, which saw the first footballs certified to FIFA standards and given certification. New quality marks were added to the range over time, before they were harmonised in 2014. This saw the launch of the FIFA Quality and FIFA Quality Pro marks.
In October 2020, the FIFA Quality and FIFA Quality Pro marks were rebranded and redesigned alongside the launch of the new FIFA Basic standard to help identify products, technologies and surfaces that offer viable, cost-efficient alternatives to those at grass roots level or above with limited budgets. To this day, these three FIFA quality marks (Basic, Quality and Quality Pro) are used to certify tested football products.
FIFA Quality Marks Explained
As already mentioned, there are three quality mark standards that FIFA use for approved football products: FIFA Basic, FIFA Quality and FIFA Quality Pro. Each quality mark has been designed to certify products, technologies and playing surfaces that meet certain safety and performance criteria guidelines set by FIFA.
In this section we will cover the meaning of each FIFA Quality mark to help you select the product that best meets your needs.
FIFA Basic
The FIFA Basic quality mark is designed to identify products that meet basic safety, performance, and durability qualities whilst also being affordable. This standard recognises products that offer a cost-effective option to those at all levels off the game who may not have the budget to afford more expensive, higher quality alternatives.
FIFA Quality
The testing for the FIFA Quality standard is tougher than the FIFA Basic standard and it places a greater emphasis on the durability and safety of products. Basic performance and accuracy tests are performed, but the main focus is on ensuring long lasting use for products at all levels of the game. Products achieving FIFA Quality status will be higher quality than FIFA Basic standard products, delivering a greater level of performance but at a higher cost.
FIFA Quality Pro
Football products, technologies and playing surfaces with the FIFA Quality Pro mark will have undergone rigorous testing that ensure the highest quality, performance, accuracy, safety, and durability. This quality mark indicates optimal performance and will mean the particular product, technology or playing surface is suitable for use at the highest level of football. This is the highest accolade awarded by the FIFA Quality Programme, meaning these products, technologies and playing surfaces are suited to those looking for the very best.
Footballs and FIFA Quality marks
The ball is an essential piece of equipment when it comes to playing or coaching football but knowing which to buy can be a challenge due to the variety of brands and models available to you. Narrowing down your search to a football ball with a FIFA quality mark can make your search a whole lot easier, as you will have the peace of mind knowing that particular ball has undergone a series of extensive tests and has been approved by the main governing body in world football.
If you buy a football that doesn’t have a FIFA Quality mark you lose the reassurance of knowing that the ball has faced rigorous testing to ensure its performance and durability. With inferior footballs you run the risk of buying a ball that may lose its shape quickly or may be too heavy for example. The slightest flaw in the ball design will influence the way it flies through the air and rolls along the ground.
In order to receive a FIFA Quality mark, a football must successfully pass seven tests that will check the ball’s weight, circumference, roundness, bounce, water absorption, loss of pressure and shape/size retention. To gain a FIFA Quality Pro mark (the highest-quality mark) the ball must pass these seven tests under even more demanding conditions.
Law 2 of the International Football Association Board (IFAB) states that all balls used in matches played in official competitions under the governance of FIFA must meet all requirements and must bear a FIFA Quality mark from the FIFA Quality Programme for Footballs.
Where can you find a football with a FIFA Quality Mark?
At Net World Sports we stock a range of FORZA footballs that have a FIFA Quality mark. Varying from FIFA Basic through to FIFA Quality Pro, we have the highest quality, most cost-effective balls for all levels of football. Below we’ll go through some of the options available to you in the FORZA range at each of the three FIFA Quality mark standards.
FORZA Academy Footballs
Accredited to FIFA Basic standards, the FORZA Academy Footballs offer premium quality at unrivalled value for money. The ball is constructed with a 3.5mm thick EVA foam, lined with a layer of 0.2mm thick TPU to provide optimal feel and control when using this multi-surface, tear-resistant football. The outer layers encase a butyl bladder reinforced with 2500 yards of polyester, ensuring the ball retains its shape even under the harshest impacts and maintains a consistent bounce with every use. Offered in sizes 3, 4, and 5, in packs of 1, 3, or 30, this ball is perfect for players of all ages and levels during training or matches.
FORZA Club Football
With a FIFA Basic quality mark, the FORZA Club Footballs are a cost-effective option for football teams of all levels on a budget. Available in sizes 3, 4 and 5, these balls are suitable for all ages. The butyl bladder is encased by six heat pressed panels with a 1.2mm thick polyurethane material, to help the ball keep its shape after countless impacts, as well as making the match-quality football tear resistant and weatherproof in all conditions. FORZA Club Footballs are available in packs of either 1,3, or 30 balls, and in two colour combinations (White & Blue or White & Pink).
FORZA Icon Football
The FORZA Icon Football is a firm favourite with many clubs around the world. Thanks to the 3D-hybrid construction this ball rolls consistently across all surfaces and has earnt a FIFA Quality mark. The rigorous testing confirms that this football is made to withstand the harshest conditions, whist maintaining an unrivalled feel and precise performance for all players. The FORZA Icon is available in sizes 3, 4 and 5, as well as a choice of 4 colourways for easier visibility and in packs of 1,3 or 30.
FORZA Pro Futsal Balls
Perfect for futsal matches and training at all levels, the FORZA Pro Futsal Ball has been awarded the FIFA Quality mark to recognize its outstanding quality and durability. Each futsal ball is made with a hi-abrasion PU casing for consistent performance on a variety of surfaces. Reinforced with a layer of PV, manufactured using an interweaving method, and laminated with high ammonia latex, the ball is then treated with 60% dry rubber to provide bacteriostatic protection and longevity. The waterproof and tear-resistant casing surrounds a Butyl bladder lined with 2200 yards of polyester for better air and shape retention than latex balls. The FORZA Pro Futsal Ball is available in sizes 3 or 4, in packs of 1, 3, and 12, making it suitable for futsal players of all ages.
FORZA Icon+ Official Match Football
The FORZA Icon+ boasts a FIFA Quality Pro mark making it suitable for football at the very highest level. Extensive tests have proven first class performance, accuracy, safety and durability. 24 panels are expertly thermally bonded together for a seamless, stitch-free construction. This structure paired with the premium polyurethane leather surface helps to minimise water absorption, and in turn means the ball will maintain its shape and performance throughout the year, on all playing surfaces. As well as being water-resistant, the materials used for the FORZA Icon+ are scratch resistant, ensuring a long-lasting football of the highest quality. The latex lined butyl bladder not only assists with longevity but also elevates the feel and control of the football. The Icon+ is available in sizes 3,4 and 5 and in packs of 1,3 or 12.
Now that you have read our guide on FIFA Quality marks and how they apply to footballs, why not check out our full range of FORZA FIFA footballs and other top of the range FORZA football equipment. We stock everything from goals, training equipment, ground equipment and much more to help you take your game to the next level.
