Euro 2016 ball unveiled ahead of next summer's tournament
Thursday 12 November 2015 17:32, UK
The official match ball for next summer's Euro 2016 tournament in France has been unveiled.
Named Beau Jeu, translated in English as "the beautiful game", the ball has EURO 2016 printed in a block design, and has been manufactured by adidas after 18 months of development.
Adidas say they have taken the best elements of the Brazuca match ball from the 2014 World Cup, and will be officially handed over to all competing federations by the end of November in order to give all players a six-month window to train and play with the ball ahead of the tournament in June.
Numerous high-profile players throughout Europe tested the ball and delivered feedback during the 18-month development period, including Wales forward Gareth Bale.
Bale said: "I already tested Beau Jeu in training with long shots, passes and running at pace. It performed brilliantly. I can't wait for the tournament to start."
Northern Ireland today trained with the new ball at Windsor Park in Belfast ahead of their friendly against Latvia on Friday.
England, Wales and Northern Ireland booked their places in France by getting through their qualification groups, while Republic of Ireland face Bosnia and Herzegovina in a two-legged play-off for a place in the finals.
