FIFA unveils new, improved World Cup ball

FIFA unveiled the official ball for next year's World Cup on Friday, with the makers billing it as the first perfectly round ball and the most accurate yet.

Aerodynamic bumps on the ball would allow for stable flight and grip under all conditions, makers adidas said at the launch in Cape Town.

FIFA president Sepp Blatter and leading players praised the ball, named 'Jabulani', which means 'to celebrate' in Zulu, one of the official languages in host country South Africa.

"For me, contact with the ball is all important, and that's just great with this ball," Brazil's Kaka said in a statement.

The ball has 11 colours, representing the 11 players in a team and the number of languages spoken in South Africa, the first African country to host the world's most-watched single-sport tournament.

It was launched hours ahead of the World Cup draw that will put the 32 qualifying teams into groups.

"It's the tool of our trade and we want the best," former England captain David Beckham said. "Any good football player would be able to control any ball, but it's good to have a little bit of help."