Manchester United have given synthetic pitches a thumbs-up following their Champions League victory against CSKA Moscow.
Britain’s leading manufacturers of FIFA-approved synthetic surfaces, TigerTurf, which manufactures and exports synthetic football and sports pitches around the world from its Kidderminster base, believes this could have a significant effect on the UK market.
Sir Alex Ferguson was delighted with the surface at the Luzhniki Stadium, home of CSKA Moscow and Europe’s fourth largest stadium.
Ferguson, whose United team are on the verge of qualifying for the knockout stages, said: “I watched CSKA’s last European game and I didn’t see any problem with pitch.
“When Luton and QPR had them all those years ago we always played well on them. We had a great record at those artificial pitches and that was when artificial pitches weren’t as good.
“The one in Moscow has a far better covering. It is a passing surface and we have good passers in our side.”
Bryn Lee, managing director of TigerTurf, believes that the use of synthetic surfaces in high-profile Champions League and World Cup qualifying matches will have a positive effect on the football market, which has lagged behind other sports.
“Russia have pioneered the use of synthetic surfaces in high-profile football matches, as well as embracing them at their impressive training facilities,” says Lee.
“The winters in Russia are unforgiving, but the use of synthetic pitches has made it possible to play these games when otherwise it would have been impossible.
“The surface can be used in any weather and provides consistent quality of play – unlike a grass pitch.
“The standard of football was superb, as you would expect for a Champions League fixture. There is no doubt the pitch encouraged a passing game and enabled the skilful players to perform.
“The ringing endorsements from Europe’s top teams, players and managers confirms that synthetic pitches have a significant role to play in the future of the game, and we are very excited about the potential growth in Europe.”
TigerTurf recently installed its FIFA two-star accredited synthetic pitch at Spartak Moscow’s training ground.
As one of Europe’s FIFA licensees and the UK’s only FIFA approved manufacturer, TigerTurf is committed to the concept being implemented through the EMEA territory.
The synthetic turf is so impressive that FIFA final round competitions and top UEFA competitions have included the FIFA recommended two-star facilities in their respective competition regulations.
For further information on TigerTurf (UK) Ltd visit www.tigerturfworld.com/eu/home/
