Standard-size pitches okeyd
2008-03-14 23:16
Zurich - Fifa has accepted a proposal to standardise the size of international soccer pitches at all new stadiums in the world.
The world governing body's executive committee on Friday adopted a new rule from the International Football Association Board to fix the pitch size at 105m by 68m.
The rule will not apply to existing stadiums, and it will not affect the international eligibility of Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, where the United States is negotiating to play Argentina in a friendly match on June 8.
Before the 1994 World Cup in the United States, Fifa said that the Giants Stadium could accommodate a 103-by-63m pitch.
Fifa also restated its opposition to Bolivia playing international matches 3 600m above sea level in its capital city La Paz.
Fifa health regulations insist players and officials must acclimatise for at least two weeks before playing at altitudes above 3 000m.
- SAPA