May 30, 2018
PR61-S26

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

F5U5003-G18

Molten Corporation (headquarters: Hiroshima, Japan; president & CEO: Kiyo Tamiaki), a
manufacturer of competition-quality sports balls and equipment, will supply the official match balldesigned exclusively for the 2018-19 UEFA Europa League group stage to be held in Europe from
September 20 to December 13, 2018. This is per the agreement between Molten and the Union ofEuropean Football Associations (UEFA), and will be the first official match ball provided by Molten for
the UEFA Europa League. The official match ball and replica model will be available for purchase in
selected markets from the middle of July 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 dimples on the surface reduceturbulence around the ball while it is in flight, optimizing ball control. Giving special consideration toUEFA’s brand, Molten created an exclusive design for the competition’s official match ball.
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.

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.
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 match

UEFA Europa League 2018-19 Group Stage Replica

ballSize

5F5U5003-G18

F5U3600-G18

F5U3400-G18/G18O/G18Y

F5U2810-G18/G18O/G18Y

4-

F4U3600-G18

F4U3400-G18/G18O/G18Y

F4U2810-G18/G18O/G18Y

3--

F3U3400-G18/G18O/G18Y

F3U2810-G18/G18O/G18Y

Machine Stitched + Bonding

Construction

Acentec

Cover Material

PU Leather

PU Leather

Official
Approval

FIFA Quality PRO-Country ofOrigin

Thailand

Pakistan

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Hand Stitched

UEFA Europa League 2018-19 Group Stage Replica

5F5U1710-G18/G18O/G18Y

F5U1500-G18/G18O/G18Y

F5U1000-G18/G18O/G18Y

4F4U1710-G18/G18O/G18Y

F4U1500-G18/G18O/G18Y

F4U1000-G18/G18O/G18Y

3F3U1710-G18/G18O/G18Y

F3U1500-G18/G18O/G18Y

F3U1000-G18/G18O/G18Y

Construction

Hand Stitched

Laminated

Machine Stitched

Cover Material

PU/PVC

PVC

TPU

Size

Official
Approval-Country ofOrigin

PakistanThailand

Pakistan

UEFA Europa League 2018-19 Group Stage Replica Futsal

4F9U4800-G18

F9U2000-G18/G18O/G18Y

F9U1900-G18

Construction

Hand Stitched

Machine Stitched

Hand Stitched

Cover Material

PU Leather

TPU

PVC

Official
Approval

FIFA Quality PRO

SizeCountry ofOrigin-ChinaChina

Pakistan

UEFA Europa League 2018-19 Group Stage Replica Futsal

Size

4

F9U1500-G18/G18O/G18Y/G18C/G18G

Construction

Laminated

Cover Material

PVC

Official Approval-Country of Origin

Thailand3/4

■ About the UEFA Europa League
UEFA Europa League is the largest league of professional football clubs in the world.

Every season, over

180 professional football teams from 55 countries across Europe take part in the league games, including
the preliminary round.

2018-19 UEFA Europa League
The Final will be played at Baku Olympic Stadium in, Azerbaijan.

Group stage
Dates: September 20 (Thu.) to December 13 (Thu.), 2018

Knockout stage
Dates: February 14 (Thu.) to May 29 (Wed.), 2019

■ 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 game
Molten'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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