Buzzin Football

Following the recent FA Cup semi-finals that were both played at the national stadium, the FA has stated that the Wembley Stadium turf may need to be re-laid up to seven times each year.  If that’s not shocking enough, the cost of doing so could be a staggering £90,000 a time.

The turf is being relayed for the 11th time since 2007 but why is it such a problem?

Three of the four FA Cup semi-final managers, Harry Redknapp (Tottenham Hotspurs), Avram Grant (Portsmouth) and Martin O’Neill (Aston Villa) agreed the Wembley turf was a ‘disgrace’, and watching both games it was clearly apparent the state of the pitch had a bearing on both results.

Players from Chelsea, Aston Villa, Portsmouth and Spurs were slipping and losing their footing, no more so than the Spurs captain Michael Dawson who slipped in front of the Tottenham goal at a crucial moment, as he was attempting to clear a free-kick, leaving Piquionne to score the winning Portsmouth goal.

James Milner (England & Aston Villa midfielder) said it was the worst football pitch he had played on this season, including the lower league pitches during their League and FA Cup run.

As with previous turfs, the latest Wembley surface will not have much time to bed in.  This is one of the main problems.

The FA Trophy final is on 8th May, followed by the FA Vase final the day after. The FA Cup final is on 15th May and England is due to play a pre-World Cup friendly against Mexico on 24th.

Furthermore, there are three Football League play-off finals and the Blue Square Premier play-off final to be played at the venue in May; and this is just the football events to be held at the stadium!

BBC Radio 5 Live commentator, Colin Murray suggested the FA use the same grass seeds as his mother, as the grass in her garden is always in pristine condition.

The other problem is caused by other events and concerts that take place at Wembley.  But surely this is a bad advert for England’s bid to host the 2018 World Cup finals.

Next month the FA Cup final will be beamed around the world to millions of fans and FIFA officials alike.  Not only is the final going to be spoilt by the state of the turf, but surely the FA must realise this is both embarrassing and a complete waste of money.  Money that could be better spent on the grassroots, rather than the turf!