December 17, 2018
PR62-S08

Molten to Supply Official Match Ballfor the 2018-19 UEFA Europa League Knockout Stage

F5U5003-K19

Molten Corporation (headquarters: Hiroshima, Japan; president & CEO: Kiyo Tamiaki), a manufacturerof competition-quality sports balls and equipment, will supply the official match ball designed
exclusively for the 2018-19 UEFA Europa League Knockout stage to be held in Europe from February
14 to May 29, 2019. This is per the agreement between Molten and the Union of European FootballAssociations (UEFA), and the ball will be used in all matches from the round of 32 up to the final. The
official match ball and a replica models will be available for purchase in select markets from December
18, 2018.
The official match ball was adapted from Molten’s flagship football model, the Vantaggio 5000. Molten’sunique thermal bonding technology enhances shape retention and minimizes water absorption, resulting
in an exceptional performance regardless of conditions. The textured surface reduces turbulence aroundthe ball while it is in flight, optimizing ball control. The “energy wave”, which features the UEFA Europa
League brand identity, has been integrated into the design. The energy wave represents the collective
desire of the players, staff and fans to take on new challenges within the league and dynamically advancetowards victory. It also embodies illustrations of the trophy and stadium of the final match as the basepattern.
Molten will continue to develop and supply football products of outstanding function and design toevery level of player, and work to fulfill the brand promise, “For the real game.”

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■ Product Features
1. Superior Performance
1-1. ACENTEC structure

CushionSeamless surface

foamstructure

Molten’s unique thermal bonding technology produces asmooth, seamless cover that cannot be accomplished byhand sewing. The result is a uniform surface and reduced
water absorption, ensuring exceptional performance that is
not affected by weather conditions. (F5U5003-K19)

A tube layer retains the air

1-2. Surface that enhances the flight stability
The dimples on the surface of the ball reduce turbulence andstabilize it while in flight. This enhances ball control, resulting
in more accurate passes and shots. (F5U5003-K19)
Dimples on the ball surface

2. Exclusive Design for the League
The UEFA Europa League “energy wave” brand identity
represents the journey of the clubs throughout Europe,
expressing the highs and lows of the thrilling adventure. Theenergy wave has been integrated into Molten’s signature
style to create a unique and exclusive design and laid out toincrease visual recognition.

■ Product Overview
Official matchballSize

UEFA Europa League 2018-19 Knock Out Stage Replica

5F5U5003-K19

F5U4800-K19

F5U3600-K19

F5U3400-K19/K19O/K19Y

4---

F4U3400-K19/K19O/K19Y

3----

Acentec

Hand Stitched

Machine Stitched

Machine Stitched+ Bonded+ Bonded

Construction
Cover Material

PU Leather

Official
Approval

FIFA Quality PRO

Country ofOrigin

Thailand

China

Pakistan

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UEFA Europa League 2018-19 Knock Out Stage Replica

Size

5F5U2810-K19/K19O/K19Y

F5U2100-K19

F5U1710-K19/K19O/K19Y

4F4U2810-K19/K19O/K19Y

F4U2100-K19

F4U1710-K19/K19O/K19Y

3--

F3U1710-K19Y

Hand Stitched

Construction
Cover Material

PU Leather

TPU

Official
Approval-Country ofOrigin

Pakistan

PU/PVCUEFA Europa League 2018-19 Knock Out Stage Replica

5F5U1500-K19/K19O/K19Y

F5U1000-K19/K19O/K19Y

4F4U1500-K19/K19O/K19Y

F4U1000-K19/K19O/K19Y

3-

F3U1000-K19/K19O/K19Y

1-F1U1000-K19

Construction

Laminated

Machine Stitched

Cover Material

PVC

TPUSize

Official
Approval
Country ofOrigin

Thailand

Pakistan

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UEFA Europa League 2018-19 Knock Out Stage Replica Futsal

4

F9U4800-K19

F9U2000-K19/K19O/K19Y

Construction

Hand Stitched

Machine Stitched

Cover Material

PU Leather

TPU

Official
Approval

FIFA Quality PRO-

Size

Country ofOrigin

China

UEFA Europa League 2018-19 Knock Out Stage Replica Futsal

Size

4F9U1500-K19/K19O/K19Y/K19C/K19GConstruction

Laminated

Cover Material

PVCOfficial Approval-Country of Origin

Thailand■ About the UEFA Europa LeagueUEFA Europa League is the largest league of professional football clubs in the world. Every season, over180 professional football teams from 55 countries across Europe take part in the league games, including
the preliminary round.

2018/19 UEFA Europa LeagueThe Final will be played at Baku Olympic Stadium in Azerbaijan.

Knock Out Stage Schedule
Round 32

︓First leg 14 February / Second leg 21 February

Round 16︓First leg 7 March / Second leg 14 March

Quarter-finals︓First leg 11 April / Second leg 18 April
Semi-finals

︓First leg 2 May / Second leg 9 MayFinal

︓29 May

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■ About Molten
Molten, a manufacturer of balls and sports equipment, has been making and marketing basketballs,
handballs, soccer balls, and volleyballs, of uncompromising quality since 1958. Molten continues to raise
global standards, supplying the official game balls and sports equipment for major leagues, teams andinternational tournaments around the world.
For further information, please visit www.molten.co.jp/sports/en/■ For the real gameMolten's brand statement, "For the real game", encapsulates what we hope to accomplish through ourproducts and activities. It is our conviction that the real game happens only when impeccable balls andsports equipment enable athletes to realize their full potential and maximize performance.

■ Product image data (JPEG) is also available
Contact: Ryo Kurahashi
International Market Sales & Marketing Department
Sports Division
Molten Corporation
Tel: (+81-3)3625-7648
Fax: (+81-3)3625-7738

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