KHUZAMA Unveiled as Official Match Ball for AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027
The AFC and KELME have revealed the tournament's official match ball, a striking design inspired by Saudi Arabia's wild lavender flowers and featuring elements of traditional Najdi architecture.
The Asian Football Confederation and sports equipment manufacturer KELME have unveiled KHUZAMA as the Official Match Ball for the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™, which will take place from 7th January to 5th February, 2027.
Named after the resilient wild lavender that flourishes across Saudi Arabia’s landscape, KHUZAMA embodies the dramatic moment when these flowers bloom in unison across the desert terrain. The ball’s distinctive violet colouring represents the traditional ceremonial colour traditionally employed to welcome distinguished guests, symbolising the warm hospitality that will be extended to every participating team, official, and spectator attending the prestigious tournament.
The design reflects the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™’s contemporary visual identity, featuring striking geometric patterns anchored by ‘The Portal’—a core graphical element inspired by traditional Najdi architectural doorways. This stepped, diamond-shaped device frames the tournament logo on the ball, capturing the rhythm and openness characteristic of regional craftsmanship. The colour palette draws from the official tournament scheme, incorporating deep purple, vibrant green, and sand tones to create visual cohesion with the wider event environment.
From a technical perspective, the ball has been engineered for high performance, with high-contrast violet-and-white panelling designed to enhance visibility for players, officials and spectators across both daylight conditions and under floodlights. This combination of aesthetic refinement and functional excellence reflects the tournament’s commitment to supporting optimal playing conditions.
AFC General Secretary Datuk Seri Windsor John remarked that the unveiling of KHUZAMA represented another significant milestone in the tournament’s preparation, noting that the ball successfully merges cultural elements with technical engineering to support players’ performance throughout the competition.
KELME Chairman Ke Yongxiang expressed pride in delivering the official match ball for a second consecutive AFC Asian Cup™ edition, emphasising the fusion of cultural authenticity and technical sophistication embedded within the design. Patrick Murphy, CEO of Asia Football Group, affirmed that KHUZAMA authentically reflects the tournament’s identity and the welcoming spirit that characterises the host nation.
Source: WAM