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sexta-feira, 3 de outubro de 2014

Synthetic pitch decision in Canada disappoints David Parker

Synthetic pitch decision in Canada disappoints David Parker


By Dev Trehan 


Birmingham City Ladies manager David Parker is disappointed next year's Women's World Cup in Canada will be played on synthetic pitches but suspects opposition from players will prove futile.


Women footballers file lawsuit
Several leading players, including 2012 and 2013 World Players of the Year Abby Wambach and Nadine Angerer, have unsuccessfully petitioned FIFA and the Canadian Soccer Association, demanding matches are played on grass.

On Wednesday, they filed a lawsuit at the Ontario Human Rights Tribunal in Toronto, claiming the decision to make them play on artificial turf amounts to gender discrimination under Canadian law.

The Women's World Cup is the first elite FIFA tournament that will not be played on grass pitches - a decision which bemuses Birmingham boss Parker.

"I think it’s a poor idea to do this," Parker told Sky Sports.

"It’s the pinnacle of the game and it deserves to be played on grass but the decision has been made and I can’t see them changing it one bit.

"Artificial pitches have come a long way in terms of the quality of surface you can play on but for top-flight fixtures they serve no advantage or purpose.

"But there is a place for them around training. The climate in this country makes them an invaluable resource but they should be kept to just that, training."

Almost 50 female players from around the world are backing the action amid fears that playing on the surface increases the risk of injury.

Celebrities, including actor Tom Hanks, NBA player Kobe Bryant and San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kapernick, have also given their support on social media.

"We are very aware that playing on such surfaces causes certain players problems," Parker said

"Some studies have shown they make no impact and are similar to grass but everyone in the game knows that’s not the case.

"We will only know the true results of this in 20 years time when the players have progressed from youngsters all the way through their careers on artificial turf to know the short and long term impacts."

FIFA rules stipulate that matches can be played on artificial turf if special dispensation is granted, as it was in Canada's case. The regulations also state that all matches in a tournament must be played on the same surface.

On Tuesday, a FIFA official visiting Canada ahead of the tournament next year said there were no plans to reconsider using artificial turf.