Sarina Wiegman raises alarm over unsafe pitches in women's football

In recent weeks, Sarina Wiegman, the head coach of the England women's national football team, has voiced serious concerns regarding the safety and quality of playing surfaces for high-profile women's matches. These concerns escalated following two particular events: Arsenal's 2-0 defeat to Real Madrid at the subpar Alfredo Di Stefano Stadium, which took place amidst heavy rainfall, and the Women’s League Cup final between Chelsea and Manchester City at Pride Park in Derby, which was criticized for being unfit for a final. Wiegman noted the disappointing decision to host such matches at venues lacking appropriate conditions, especially when more suitable stadiums, such as the Bernabeu, were available during the men's international break. This situation highlights a recurring problem in women's football where inadequate facilities could compromise player safety and performance. The directive for better pitch conditions follows broader concerns in the sport about maintaining high standards for player welfare. Wiegman emphasized that players deserve to showcase their skills at the highest level without the added risk of injury from poor-quality pitches, arguing that continued negligence could deter the future success of women's football. As Wiegman prepares for England's double-header against Belgium set for early April, she is determined to utilize the upcoming matches to assess her players and build confidence following their recent victory against Spain, the reigning world champions. This upcoming series will also serve as a crucial opportunity for Wiegman to finalize her squad for the summer's European Championship, where England will aim to defend their title. The Lionesses' upcoming games against Belgium will mark a pivotal moment to see how the team handles different challenges and conditions, especially in light of recent pitch concerns.