Ivory Coast boss Sven-Goran Eriksson: FIFA must address concerns over Jabulani ball

Swede enjoying his time managing African nation...

By Adithya Ananth
16 Jun 2010 12:51:00

Ivory Coast and former England boss Sven-Goran Eriksson insists that FIFA must hold a meeting to discuss and address the concerns of goalkeepers with regard to the controversial Jabulani ball.

Jabulani, which translates to "rejoice" in Zulu, has been given a reception of anything but happiness by a section of the shot-stoppers participating in the 2010 World Cup.

Italy custodian Gianluigi Buffon had branded it as an "inadequate" ball, while his England counterpart had called it "dreadful".

Meanwhile, Brazil striker Robinho had previously maintained that "for sure the guy who designed this ball never played football" as Julio Cesar compared it to a "supermarket" ball that would favour the forwards and not the shot-stoppers.

"I can understand that goalkeepers are not happy, and I think the authorities should listen to them," Eriksson said, according to The Guardian.

"I think the matter should be discussed. Players, coaches and perhaps top goalkeepers should get together. Especially people should listen to the goalkeepers' point of view, because the ball isn't doing them any favours."

Meanwhile, the Swede maintained that he is enjoying managing the African nation more than he did during his time as the Three Lions boss.

"With this team there is a smile all day, even when training or travelling," he said. "I can't understand why Ivory Coast have had problems with each other in the past because this is a very happy team. Working with them is much more lively than any European team I have worked with. To smile all the time is their nature, their mentality. It's great fun for me every day and I like the job very much."

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2890/world-cup-2010/2010/06/16/1979367/ivory-coast-boss-sven-goran-eriksson-fifa-must-address