After a recent England-Denmark match at the European Championship, where the field was in poor condition due to rainfall, UEFA has announced plans to address the issues and improve the quality of the playing surface at the Frankfurt Stadium. The turf at the stadium, which has been used all season by host club Eintracht Frankfurt, was reported to have chunks kicked up during the game, causing players to slip on the wet grass.
In response to the concerns raised, UEFA has stated that a detailed maintenance plan is in place to address the specific issues and enhance the quality of the field before the upcoming fixtures at the venue. The stadium is set to host matches such as Germany vs. Switzerland, Slovakia vs. Romania, and a round of 16 game on July 1 for the Group F winner, potentially Portugal.
UEFA has assured that replacement fields are available if needed, with Switzerland’s training stadium having its playing surface relaid this week after a formal complaint. England coach Gareth Southgate expressed his apprehension about playing on a deteriorating field, noting that the pitch had already shown signs of wear during a previous game between Belgium and Slovakia.
Despite the challenges faced with the playing surfaces during Euro 2024, UEFA’s field consultants have reported a consistent improvement in the pitch rating over the previous season. The persistent rain in Germany has added to the issues, with teams like Poland and the Netherlands unable to practice on the field before their opening game at Volksparkstadion in Hamburg.
In past tournaments, playing surfaces have been relaid with turf imported from the Netherlands, as seen during Euro 2016 in Lille, France, and Euro 2008 in Basel, Switzerland. UEFA is committed to ensuring that the quality of the fields meets the standards expected for top-tier international competitions.
As fans continue to follow the UEFA Euro Championship, updates on the field conditions and maintenance efforts will be crucial to ensuring the safety and performance of the players. Stay tuned for more information on upcoming matches, news, and developments related to the tournament.