Fans outraged as UEFA Women's Euro 2025 bans synthetic grass pitches
- The UEFA Women's Euro 2025 will take place in Switzerland with plans for all matches to be played on natural grass pitches.
- Temporary grass pitches will be installed at the Stadion Wankdorf and Stockhorn Arena, despite current synthetic surfaces.
- This decision follows significant criticism of previous tournaments, ensuring that women's football is treated with the same standards as men's.
Switzerland has been awarded the rights to host the UEFA Women's Euro 2025, marking a significant milestone as it is the first football tournament the country will stage entirely independently since the men's World Cup in 1954. The final stages of the tournament will take place in July, although two of the primary stadiums, Stadion Wankdorf in Bern and Stockhorn Arena in Thun, are currently equipped with synthetic surfaces. In response to criticism faced by FIFA in allowing the 2015 Women's World Cup in Canada to be played on artificial turf, organizers have decided to overlay temporary grass pitches on the existing artificial surfaces in Bern and Thun in preparation for the matches. This change is aimed at ensuring that the tournament is played on natural grass, which is preferred by many players and has been a point of contention due to previous experiences. Wankdorf is historically significant, having been the venue for the final of the 1954 men's World Cup, which underlines the importance of maintaining high standards for the Women’s Euro. Unfortunately, due to the short-term installation of the grass pitches, concerns have been raised regarding the quality of the surface as multiple matches will occur in quick succession, impacting playability and safety. The tournament anticipates drawing substantial global media attention, with hopes of exceeding 500 million viewers worldwide. With all 31 matches scheduled to start at either 1800 CET or 2100 CET, UEFA aims to maximize audience engagement across Europe. Additionally, a significant initiative has been launched to provide match ticket holders with free public transport within Switzerland, supported by government funding aimed at enhancing accessibility for fans. Following feedback from previous tournaments, the local organizing committee is keen to promote the women’s game and ensure that it receives the respect and visibility it deserves, with events featuring football legends to spotlight the tournament's significance. With the inclusion of teams such as Poland and Wales, this tournament is set to break new ground for representation in women's football, emphasizing growth and inclusivity within the sport as it gains recognition in the sporting landscape.