FIFA's Global Football Development chief Arsene Wenger has acknowledged the subpar quality of pitches during the Club World Cup in the U.S., noting significant criticism from European teams. While recognizing that fixes are necessary, Wenger assures that the pitches will be upgraded for the 2026 World Cup. Coaches like PSG's Luis Enrique have voiced concerns about the playing conditions, indicating that the current state of the fields hampers performance. Insights reflect a collective demand for enhanced facilities as we approach future tournaments.
The pitches, often very dry and sprinkled with water during cooling breaks have been widely criticised, mainly by coaches and players of the European teams participating.
I've been personally on the pitch at Orlando; it's not at the level that the European clubs are used to because it's not perfect, but that will be rectified.
Luis Enrique said, 'the ball bounces like a rabbit,' lamenting that the field used to be artificial turf, now natural grass laid over it.
'FIFA really needs to take this seriously...If we're calling this the best club tournament in the world, it should have world-class facilities.'
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