Professional Footballers Australia (PFA) has today called for the concerns raised by Socceroos Head Coach Ange Postecoglou regarding the playing surfaces afforded to our National Teams to be heeded.
In his post match interview following the Socceroos one nil win over Greece, Postecoglou was critical of the state of the pitch.
PFA Chairman Craig Foster said Australian football must demand better and praised the professionalism of the Socceroos in difficult conditions.
“In what were extremely trying conditions, the Socceroos’ commitment and dedication to their footballing philosophy was remarkable, as was the quality of their play, and should be applauded by all,” said Foster.
“Both the Matildas and the Socceroos play ‘world class’ football and the playing surfaces afforded to them must meet this standard. On far too many occasions this has not been the case.
“Excuses should no longer be accepted; the game has moved past this. Sub-standard pitches risk player health and safety, make it impossible for players to be at their best and deny fans the chance to see a match of the highest possible standard.
“The players and coaches are fulfilling their end of the bargain and now the officials and Government must support the rapid progress of the standards within Australia’s fastest growing sport. For this reason, the PFA has implemented a pitch rating system in the A-League and W-League in recent years to encourage focus on one of the most fundamental aspects of football excellence.
“Every match the Socceroos and Matildas play is an opportunity to further demonstrate to the Australian public the progress the game is making and engage a new generation of fans.This must not be put at risk by poor quality playing surfaces.”
