FIFA ready to abandon grass roots policy - and play 2010 World Cup on plastic pitches instead - Sport

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The president of world football's governing body has expressed concern at the quality of grass surfaces he has seen in Africa, where long spells of hot sun and drought are frequently followed by torrential downpours.

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Spot-on? The plastic pitch in Moscow where England lost 2-1 last year

And Blatter has risked the wrath of the many opponents of "plastic" pitches worldwide by claiming they could even be used in the World Cup in South Africa in two years.

"We have envisaged, though it's not yet a final decision, that the 2010 World Cup could be played on artificial turf," said Blatter. "I think it's now time in this region to think about artificial turf. An artificial pitch gives you the same conditions during the whole year."

Blatter claimed his fears were confirmed during the African Nations Cup in Ghana which was completed at the weekend.

"I've followed with a lot of interest most of the matches of this competition, and I have to say that African football is at a very high level," he said. "What I've not not liked so much is the turf, especially in Accra – the grass is too high.

"Artificial turf is a solution to the owners of stadiums – you can use it more than just once a week, you can use it for other sports.

"I think it's better than uneven ground, where control of the ball is not easy."

FIFA's "Win in Africa with Africa" project means that an artificial pitch is being laid in all 53 of its member countries on the continent, with the exception of South Africa.

"Long-pile" turf is composed of tall, imitation grass blades embedded in a mixture of sand and rubber granules. It has helped to eliminate carpet burn and bizarre bounces while also greatly reducing the number of injuries.