FIFA Quality Concept Project

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Artificial Turf

Artificial turf has been around now for several decades. It can be argued that artificial turf was originally developed to address the limitations of natural grass. However, the earliest versions were not designed for football and changed the game dramatically. Therefore, football never thoroughly embraced the thought of high-level competition matches on artificial surfaces.

The breakthrough came about when manufacturers started to develop surfaces specifically designed for football. The basic construction of the newest generation of artificial turf is a blend of grass-like fibres attached to a special backing with a mix of sand and/or rubber brushed in. This construction has proven to be the most favourable for football to date.

Playing Surfaces
FIFA is very much in favour of the installation and use of artificial turf in climates and stadium microclimates where the maintenance and growth of natural grass is difficult. Many regions of the world suffer from extreme climatic conditions and as a result are often without adequate natural grass pitches. Likewise, the trend to build stadia with roofs and steep terraces for additional spectator comfort often creates an environment better suited to artificial turf.

The newest generation of artificial surfaces combines the advantages of similar playing characteristics as natural turf, including increased player comfort and safety, with low maintenance and extended usage. The FIFA Quality Concept will identify those products of the newest generation specifically suited to football.

The FIFA Quality Concept for Artificial Turf was developed to standardize artificial turf quality, to ensure the safety of footballers and to encourage further developments in the industry.

FIFA Quality Concept
The FIFA Quality Concept is a rigorous testing programme for artificial surfaces whereby manufacturers will be able to enter into a licence agreement for the use of the prestigious FIFA RECOMMENDED Mark.

The Quality Concept consists of the following test procedures:

Laboratory Tests
In order to qualify for a FIFA licence, products must first go through a series of rigorous tests to be conducted under laboratory conditions. The testing in the laboratory includes the following:

Identification Tests
Durability
Climatic Resistance
Player/Surface Interaction
Ball/Surface Interaction

Field Tests
The performance of an artificial surface also depends upon the installation process, the preparation of the sub-base and the composition of the existing sub-soil. Therefore, the installed turf will not only be tested in the laboratory but will also undergo field-testing as well. Field-testing includes the following:

Construction Tests
Player/Surface Interaction
Ball/Surface Interaction

The player/surface interaction and the ball/surface interaction tests as conducted in the laboratory are also carried out on the installed pitch.

Click on one of the links below to see a detailed list of the test methods and criteria.

Laboratory Tests

Field Tests

Click on one of the links below to see a complete list of FIFA RECOMMENDED installations or testing laboratories authorized to perform testing.

FIFA RECOMMENDED Installations

Selected Testing Laboratories