Image: Jason Franson
Kevin Baxter, Los Angeles Times, October 25, 2014
EXCERPTS FROM THE ARTICLE:
This time the issue is grass — or rather the lack thereof. Because while FIFA refuses to allow the men's world championship to be played on anything other than natural grass, it's essentially banned that surface from next year's women's tournament.
So a group of top players, led by U.S. stars Abby Wambach and Alex Morgan, have filed suit against FIFA and the Canadian Soccer Assn., contending artificial surfaces exacerbate injuries and change the game.
"When the men say they want grass, they get it. And for the women, there just isn't a concern on behalf of FIFA or Canadian soccer for what the women want or deserve," Collis said.
"People in the soccer world know that artificial turf is considered a secondary surface. So to have the women's premier tournament on a surface that everybody considers to be second class, it's demeaning. And it's a step back for the women's game at a time when women's sports should be taking steps forward."