There are two levels of criteria for the three designations. The requirements for the category FIFA INSPECTED or the technically equal IMS International Matchball Standard and for the superior category FIFA APPROVED, with higher test levels, are:
(Ball pressure : mean value of indicated pressure range between 0.375 - 0.8 bar)
| Property | APPROVED | INSPECTED | Specifications |
| Circumference | 420 - 440 grams | 400 - 440grams | ball pressure: mean value |
| Weight | 68 - 70 cm | 68 - 70 cm | ball pressure: mean value |
| Sphericity | max. 1.8% | max. 1.8% | ball pressure: mean value(deviation of the measured mean value) |
| Loss of Pressure | max. 20 % | max. 25 % | ball pressure: mean value at the start of the test max. loss of air after3 days (72h) |
| Rebound | 100 - 150 cm | 100 - 150 cm | ball pressure: mean value each ball being dropped from a height of 2 meters onto a wooden floor |
| Water Absorption | max. 10 % | max. 15 % | ball pressure: mean value 2cm water depth, 250 compressions with constant ball rotation, ball deformation maximum 10% |
| Shape and Size Retention Test including change of pressure
| Measured after 1000 kicks seams and air-valve undamaged max. 1.5 cm max. 1.8 % max. 0.1 bar | ball pressure: mean value shooting onto a steel panel at approx. 50 km/h |
Tests will be conducted at room temperature (approx. 20°C) and 65% humidity.
