FIFA has since approved the first competition field – Nickerson Field in Boston, USA – and FIFA president Sepp Blatter reiterated, this week, that artificial turf is not only for training purposes, but may also be used for competitive matches.
"The laws of the game do not forbid the use of this type of surface and the latest generation of artificial turf pitches definitely provides for excellent playing conditions,” he said.
"FIFA's scheme for recommended artificial turf pitches is a well accepted and highly scientific programme and includes very stringent benchmarks and tough testing conditions."
Blatter added that while the current cost for installing such pitches is still relatively high, he expects to see prices fall as more pitches are installed.
