Mack Posted 15 February 2010 Posted 15 February 2010 Whilst watching the Dutch Eredivisie yesterday I noticed that Herecles have an artificial grass pitch. Sloda Xanthi of the Greek Super League also have one, as do CSKA and Spartak Moscow who ply their trade at the Luzhniki stadium in Russia. Toronto FC in the MLS also have one of these new plastic pitches, and I have read many negative comments from visiting coach's who in the main think it should be banned. Having had a route around the web it appears that both UEFA and FIFA will sanction artificial grass surfaces if they are the new generation 21st century 2 star type. Both federations are happy to sanction domestic, European and International fixtures on this new type of surface. Now I dont care what the experts say, I have kicked a ball about a bit on one of these new surfaces, and whilst they are an improvement on the terrible 'astroturf' monstrisities of the late 80's and early 90's, they are still completely different in bounce and feel to a natural grass surface. As a result they create an unfair advantage for the team playing their home fixtures on their arfitifial pitch and as a result could have the same effect on a teams fortunes as the bad old days of Notts County, QPR, Oldham and Luton who all made the top flight for a time on the back of an artificial home surface. So the question arises... who will be the first English club to take the plunge? It is a huge advantage, and I dont see how the FA can block it as both FIFA and UEFA have given the green light. If I owned a smaller club I would have the firms round to measure up tomorrow.
Shrenchel Posted 15 February 2010 Posted 15 February 2010 No you wouldn't. The FA doesn't allow them to be used in league matches above some piss-poor level or in the FA Cup.
Fox You Forest Posted 15 February 2010 Posted 15 February 2010 Can they afford to have it fitted though, I imagine it would cost a bob or two. Stick with grass I say.
Guest Mee-9 Posted 15 February 2010 Posted 15 February 2010 Surely it would be cheaper to just have normal grass.
Mack Posted 15 February 2010 Author Posted 15 February 2010 No you wouldn't. The FA doesn't allow them to be used in league matches above some piss-poor level or in the FA Cup. They are on a sticky wicket with that, I dont think it would stand up in court given FIFA and UEFA's stance and the more widespread use throughout Europe. If I owned a small club I would go for it. It may cost a few bob but it is money well spent, and you dont need top class players if you have a plastic pitch, just play to your strength.
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