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“The reason is clear: we have received many justified complaints. There are people who do not see it because they are color blind,” explained Simonelli on Radio Anch’io Sport como pick up ‘Olé’. What for years was an aid to playing in the snow—that orange ball that stood out against the white blanket—has now become an obstacle for soccer players, referees and fans with color blindness.

The winter ball for the 2025/26 season, manufactured by Puma and designed for the hardest months, it was already ready to use. But Calcio has decided to withdraw it and return to the usual colors: white or yellow, much more visible to everyone.

The change is not easy. “We asked our supplier to advance the delivery of new balls. We need 25 per game, about 500 in total, not counting training balls”Simonelli explained. Production is already underway, although the leader acknowledges that it will still take a few weeks until the orange ball disappears completely. “It was an unfortunate decision. We will go back to yellow or white.”

Color blindness, a visual disorder that prevents certain colors from being distinguished, affects a significant percentage of the population. In a sport where vision is decisive, the debate has gained strength and has pushed leagues to review customs that no one previously questioned.

A problem… with a clear solution

And it is not the only case in Europe. The Premier League He has been using a special ball for snow games since 2004 and, curiously, this season it has also changed: after more than twenty years with Nike, his ball is now from Puma.

In Italy, on the other hand, the adventure has been short-lived. The orange ball is now history. Winter will continue to be white, but in Serie A the ball will once again spin in its usual colors. “A decision that seeks to include everyone and that remembers that football also adapts, even in the small details.”