Plastic pitches for 2010 WC

Fifa president Sepp Blatter says the 2010 World Cup in South Africa could be played on artificial pitches.

Blatter also suggested future Africa Cup of Nations tournaments should be played on artificial turf.

"We have envisaged, though it's not yet a final decision, that the 2010 World Cup could be played on artificial turf," Blatter told BBC Sport.

"I think it's now time in this region to think about artificial turf," said the head of football's governing body.


Blatter on benefits of artificial turf

Artificial turf is a solution, you can use it more than just once a week

Sepp Blatter

Many players and coaches dislike artificial pitches arguing the surface disadvantages teams that are not used to playing on them.

In October England struggled in a crucial Euro 2008 qualifier against Russia in Moscow, losing 2-1 on an aritificial pitch.

Under the "Win in Africa with Africa" project, Fifa is laying an artificial pitch in all 53 of its member countries on the continent, with the exception of South Africa.

Playing surfaces in many African countries can be badly affected during the rainy season and the dry season.

"An artificial pitch gives you the same conditions during the whole year," said Blatter.

The quality of pitches was Blatter's chief concern of the 2008 Nations Cup.

"I've followed with a lot of interest most of the matches of this competition, and I have to say that African football is at a very high level," he said.

"What I've not not liked so much is the turf, especially in Accra - the grass is too high.

"Artificial turf is a solution to the owners of stadiums - you can use it more than just once a week, you can use it for other sports.

"I think it's better than uneven ground, where control of the ball not easy.

Pitches aside, Blatter was impressed by Ghana's hosting of the Nations Cup, despite problems with ticketing, transport and hotels.

"I think the organisation was not so bad, we should not be so critical," he said.

From BBC
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Dont you just LOVE FIFA, This WC could be a real disaster. I wanna things to turn up great but a plstic pitch

Clubs will go insane : there's loads more injuries on artificial grass...

other news: blatter buys shares in artificial pitch company to supply artificial pitches all over africa

Cant all the supporters get together and demand Blatter f@ck off?

I don't see how playing on artificial surface is of benefit to the tournament, players and teams.

I only see it as a solution to deliver the tournament cost effectively in South Africa, and have facilities afterwards that can be used to reclaim the investment in them if the World Cup doesn't already do this.

Ridiculous idea IMO.

now the English have a new excuse for being defeated before the semis.

after "it was too hot", "the air was too humid", "the ref was a disgrace", "they are a bunch of divers", "penalty kicks are unfair", "that was a fluke goal", "that south american coke snorter is a cheater", and the classic "we were unlucky", they will blame the pitch, which will hinder their passing the ball around.

mongrel hawk wrote:now the English have a new excuse for being defeated before the semis.

after "it was too hot", "the air was too humid", "the ref was a disgrace", "they are a bunch of divers", "penalty kicks are unfair", "that was a fluke goal", "that south american coke snorter is a cheater", and the classic "we were unlucky", they will blame the pitch, which will hinder their passing the ball around.

I know! Blatter should be removed, his doing this to soley destroy any chance we have to Winning the World Cup...

mongrel hawk wrote:now the English have a new excuse for being defeated before the semis.

after "it was too hot", "the air was too humid", "the ref was a disgrace", "they are a bunch of divers", "penalty kicks are unfair", "that was a fluke goal", "that south american coke snorter is a cheater", and the classic "we were unlucky", they will blame the pitch, which will hinder their passing the ball around.

In all fairness most would agree we simply weren't good enough, but on that note how many times does Sol Campbell have to score before they award us the winning goal

Artifical pitches in Africa is a viable solution for climatic reasons whether Europeans like it or not. Don't really see need for it in South Africa though, but in hot and dry countries it is not a bad idea. Don't know if you saw quality of grass pitches in recent ACN, but from what I saw grass wore thin pretty quick and heat caused problems with grass too. Depends on quality of artifical turf. Wish I had found time to visit Tema now.

If not artificial turf, what do you suggest to play football in Africa that takes into account climatic conditions?