London, July 17 (IANS) The soccer ball used in the final match of the FIFA World Cup 2010 in South Africa was sold for 48,200 pounds in an online auction.

The ball made by sports kit maker Adidas was one of those used in the final between Spain and the Netherlands played in Johannesburg.

According to the auctioneer eBay, the controversy around the ball - with complaints about its movement through the air - has fuelled interest, The Telegraph reported Saturday.

"Unique pieces of sporting memorabilia have always been extremely popular on eBay," said Ruth Szyszkowski of the website.

"The interest in this particular piece seems not only heightened by the controversy surrounding it, but also the proceeds benefiting such a great cause."

Adidas said the World Cup ball's "radical grip 'n' groove" technology, tested by scientists at Loughborough University, allowed "exceptionally stable flight and perfect grip under all conditions".

But the ball, named "Jabulani" from the Zulu word for "to celebrate", was criticised by some players.

A total of 133 bids were placed from 55 international bidders, a spokesman said.

Though it was not known who bought the ball, Adidas later said a group of Spanish fans made the highest bid.