Checks and counter-checks in place to check match balls at Women’s World Cup

EDMONTON – A repeat of Deflategate seems unlikely at the Women’s World Cup. There are checks and counter-checks, according to FIFA.

Under tournament protocol, each of the six venues receives 20 customized official match balls per game.

On game day, the stadium’s general co-ordinator and match referee are responsible for ensuring that all 20 are inflated according to the size regulations, which is then be confirmed by the match’s fourth official.

Once the balls have been approved, the FIFA marketing venue manager allocates the balls to the required areas, including the kickoff stand — where the referee collects it in leading the teams out — and the ball crew.

Occasionally soccer balls will lose their proper inflation, with players quick to notice and hand the ball over to the referee for disposal.

But it’s rare at this level.

“I don’t think I’ve ever experienced that myself. So I don’t think there’s any Deflategate going around here,” Canadian fullback Allysha Chapman said with a laugh.

The tournament’s official match ball is the Adidas conext15.