Let the countdown begin: Women’s EURO 2022 kickoffs in 30 days

The UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 will get underway in England next month. The 2022 UEFA Women’s Euro kicks off on 6th July, when England face Austria at Old Trafford for the opening game of what promises to be a thrilling month of football.

The match ball

Nike has released the official match ball. It’s a Nike Flight ball which the brand already has versions of in their repertoire. But, it’s also a range which has evolved over eight years of rigorous testing to enhance the football’s capability, particularly mid-flight, as the name suggests.

As far as technology goes, Nike uses Aerowsculpt, which uses moulded grooves on the ball’s outer skin to disrupt airflow for a more stable flight. The ball is adaptable to weather conditions as the All Conditions Contol (ACC) gives the ball grip come rain or sunshine.

But, it’s the colourway and design that are exciting about the vibrant football, which intertwines from coral pink into grape purple and bubblegum blue. The abstract designs that link throughout the ball look smart and apt, keeping in theme with the Euro 2022 branding.

Special Rules

The UEFA executive committee approved special rules for the event in England from 6 to 31st July because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Squads must be announced by 26th June, but unlimited changes can be made between then and 6th July for medical reasons.

That includes players with Covid or those who have to self-isolate.

Goalkeepers can also be replaced for those reasons in between games – even if the country has other available keepers in the squad.

Meanwhile, UEFA has stopped Belarus and Ukraine from being drawn against each other in any competitions in men’s or women’s football until further notice.

Some nations have already announced preliminary squads, with plenty of friendlies to take place throughout June as each coach whittles down their selection.

TikTok becomes the global sponsor

UEFA has agreed on a deal with TikTok that sees the social media giant become a global sponsor of the 2022 European Women’s Football Championship.

The deal will see TikTok launch a number of dedicated activations on the platform to allow users to customise their own posts, with Uefa also providing its new partner access to an extensive library of assets to develop content.

In addition, UEFA is launching an official Women’s Euro 2022 account on TikTok ahead of the tournament, which will run from 6th July until 31st July.

More traditional elements of the partnership include ticketing and hospitality access, branding opportunities and other fan activations.