Fifa looks into artificial pitches for 2010 World Cup
Sepp Blatter is considreing the possibility of playing World Cup 2010 matches on artificial turf.
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Monday, 11, Feb 2008 10:08
Fifa president Sepp Blatter has revealed that the 2010 World Cup in South Africa could be played on artificial turf.
Blatter has also suggested that future Africa Cup of Nations matches should be played on the artificial pitches.
Speaking to BBC Sport, the head of football's governing body said: "We have envisaged, though it's not yet a final decision, that the 2010 World Cup could be played on artificial turf.
"I think it's now time in this region to think about artificial turf."
He cited the effect of the extreme South African weather on regular grass as one reason to opt for synthetic playing fields.
"An artificial pitch gives you the same conditions during the whole year," he continued.
Blatter claimed that his fears were realised during the recent African Nations in Ghana.
"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 liked so much is the turf, especially in Accra - the grass is too high."
He added that ball control is "not easy" on such uneven ground.
Under the 'Win in Africa with Africa' initiative Fifa is laying an artificial pitch in all 53 of its member countries in Africa, except for South Africa.