Fa Defends Ball After Pep Guardiola Says It Is Difficult To Control

The Football Association has robustly defended the ball used in FA Cup matches this season after Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola said it was 'difficult to control'.

Guardiola compared the ball unfavourably with those used in the Premier League and Champions League after his side's 3-1 fifth round victory over Plymouth on Saturday, saying it was 'not proper'.

Earlier this season, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta was mocked after criticising the Puma ball used in the League Cup.

The Gunners lost their two-legged semi-final against Newcastle 4-0 on aggregate.

The Football Association said the ball used in the FA Cup 'delivers against all of the testing requirements'.