Blatter Defends Synthetic Pitches for Women’s World Cup

FIFA President Joseph Blatter has dismissed criticism of the decision to use synthetic pitches at the 2015 women’s football World Cup in Canada.

Blatter told Germany’s Sport Bild, magazine published on Wednesday, that artificial surfaces are “the future of football.’’

The head of football’s world governing body said he could well imagine the men’s World Cup also being staged soon on synthetic pitches.

“We are open to the suggestions of the respective local organisers and this has been possible for years for the men’s World Cup in line with FIFA regulations,’’ he was quoted as saying.

A group of leading players filed a lawsuit at the beginning of the month claiming sexual discrimination over the decision to use synthetic pitches for the women’s tournament in Canada.

The players include two FIFA Women’s Player of the Year winners, German Nadine Angerer and American Abby Wambach.

Players claimed the synthetic pitches pose unique safety risks and are considered inferior for international competition.

Blatter said the decision was not about men’s or women’s football, but rather about providing professional conditions for a world championship.

“We guarantee that in terms of quality the women’s World Cup will not be inferior in any way to men’s World Cup.’’

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