14 Apr 2010Wembley pitch 'could hinder World Cup bid'

Football Referees, Players, Managers and Media | Football Technology and Stadia

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has added to the growing criticism of the Wembley playing surface by suggesting it could damage England's efforts to stage the FIFA World Cup.

The country is currently bidding to host the 2018 tournament but last weekend's FA Cup semi-finals saw players losing their footing on the national stadium's pitch, leading some to question whether it could potentially cause injury.

Wenger reiterated his backing of the bid, but said: "I'm confident that the FA will sort it out but it cannot remain that everybody complains about the pitch after the game. It's not good enough."

The surface is expected to be relaid before next month's FA Cup final, but the process is likely to take weeks to complete and no decision will be made until after rugby union sides Saracens and Harlequins face each other at Wembley this weekend.

Former Millennium Stadium groundsman Dave Saltman also joined the chorus of complaints, describing the Wembley pitch as "an embarrassment".

Written by Tom Jenkins

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