UEFA says it will improve Frankfurt field after turf cuts up in England-Denmark game at Euro 2024
FRANKFURT, Germany (AP) — Following an England-Denmark game at the European Championship played on a field that deteriorated after days of rain, UEFA announced on Friday that it is addressing “specific issues” to improve the field's quality.
Frankfurt experienced consistent rainfall this week, and the Waldstadion roof was closed for 24 hours before kickoff and during the game on Thursday to protect the field, which had been used all season by host club Eintracht Frankfurt.
Chunks of turf were dislodged during England’s 1-1 draw with Denmark, and several players slipped on the slick grass in humid conditions on a 23-degree Celsius (73 F) day.
“A detailed maintenance plan is in place to address specific issues and further improve quality ahead of the upcoming fixtures at the venue,” UEFA stated.
Germany is set to play Switzerland in the stadium on Sunday at 9 p.m. local time (1900 GMT). Frankfurt will also host Slovakia-Romania on Wednesday and a round of 16 game on July 1 for the Group F winner, which could be Portugal.
UEFA has replacement fields ready to be installed if necessary. The playing surface was scrutinized this week after a formal complaint.
England coach Gareth Southgate mentioned that he noticed the Frankfurt field breaking up when Belgium played there on Monday. “I’ve been a defender; when you play on a pitch like that, it puts you on edge because you are not sure of your footing,” Southgate said after Thursday’s game.
UEFA noted that its expert field consultants “have seen the overall pitch rating improve consistently over the course of the previous season.”
Persistent rain in Germany during Euro 2024 has exacerbated issues with fields that were relaid before the competition. In Hamburg, Poland and the Netherlands could not practice on the surface before the opening game at Volksparkstadion on Sunday.
Playing surfaces have been relaid during previous tournaments with turf brought from the Netherlands: during Euro 2016 in Lille, France, and Euro 2008 in Basel, Switzerland.
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