Sepp Blatter and Artificial Pitches

Are FIFA playing an early April Fool´s joke on us or is president Sepp Blatter serious when he says the 2010 World Cup in South Africa may be played on artificial pitches? Artificial pitches, just what is FIFA and Blatter playing at? Betway.com have some of the best betting odds on the 2010 World Cup. Blatter has even speculated that Africa Cup of Nations tournaments should be played on artificial turf. Egypt recently won the 2008 African Nations with a 1-0 victory over Cameroon in Ghana.

Artificial pitches are a controversial subject with several players and managers saying that the surface put sides that are not used to them at a disadvantage. England lost a crucial Euro 2008 qualifier against Russia in Moscow 2-1 on an artificial surface. Freezing winter temperatures in Russia can make playing on a grass pitch almost impossible.

Queens Park Rangers, Luton Town and Preston North End are three English sides who have had artificial pitches in the past. Said Sepp Blatter: "We have envisaged but it's not yet a final decision, that the 2010 World Cup could be played on artificial turf." A decision to play on astro-turf would surely cause fury among football purists.

Swiss Blatter has been president of FIFA for 10 years and has continually annoyed football fans during his time in charge. During his time in charge he has been linked with financial irregularities.