Platini: Grass should not be turfed out

UEFA president Michel Platini has urged caution over the growing use of plastic pitches for top-level domestic and international matches.

Platini was speaking in Manchester today after official handover of the UEFA Cup to city officials in preparation for this year’s final at the City of Manchester Stadium on May 14.

Last week Platini’s FIFA counterpart Sepp Blatter expressed enthusiasm for plastic pitches and even suggested climate concerns could lead to the whole of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa being played on artificial surfaces.

But while Platini remains a staunch support of artificial turf in cases where the lack of natural grass is restricting development, he maintains that the traditional surface remains preferable.

Platini said: “I think for the development of football artificial pitches are wonderful but I have always played on grass.

“I prefer grass, but now a lot of private owners want an artificial pitch because they also want to stage concerts.

“But it is difficult in Africa to find enough water to put on the pitches. For the developing world, artificial pitches may be the future because of the lack of water.”

Platini, who would not be drawn on Bolton’s decision to make nine changes for their last 16 second leg clash against Sporting Lisbon last week, maintains that the UEFA Cup retains its magic in the crowded fixture calendar.

Platini added: “When you see the teams who are playing in the Champions League and the teams who are playing in the UEFA Cup, the Champions League play beautiful football but they are the same clubs.

“I think the UEFA Cup is open to many more other clubs so it is good to have this Cup. In the UEFA Cup the result is often irrational.”

Meanwhile former Manchester United and City star Denis Law, who has been appointed official ambassador for the final, said he was relishing the opportunity to see such a prestigious match on home turf.

Law said: “Everybody in football likes to play at the very highest level and for whoever goes on to win this tournament it will be a memory they will treasure for the rest of their lives.

“This is a football city with two great clubs and two great stadia, and it is really looking forward to the final. It is an honour for the city, and it will be a huge success.”