For the first time in history, a FIFA World Cup™ will be played on grass pitches that are partly made up of artificial grass. Desso Sports Systems have been asked by the 2010 FIFA World Cup Organising Committee South Africa to install a Desso GrassMaster system in two match venues for the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™.

The Desso GrassMaster system will be installed at the stadiums in Nelspruit (Mbombela) and Polokwane (Peter Mokaba). With a capacity of around 45,000 spectators, both new stadiums will each be hosting four group matches. Amongst others Italy, Ivory Coast, Argentina, Australia and France will be playing one of their matches in these stadiums.

The Desso GrassMaster- system is made up of a 100% natural grass surface, into which 20 million artificial turf fibres have been injected to a depth of 20 cm. The roots of the natural grass intertwine with the artificial fibres, which anchors the field into a stable and a level grass surface.

With this type of pitch, the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ will have a perfect pitch throughout the tournament. Over a short period of only several weeks, the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ stadiums will be used intensely for training and matches. Thanks to the reinforcement of artificial grass fibres, Desso GrassMaster offers reliable pitches in all weather conditions. After the tournament, the pitch will continue to serve for football and for rugby games.

Stef Kranendijk, CEO Desso: "Supplying the stadium pitches for the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ is obviously a prestigious project for our company. By doing so, we hope to contribute to the legacy of this tournament and to inspire future top events."

Desso GrassMaster already successful with international top clubs

The grass system has already proven its reliability at the highest level; Arsenal FC, Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester City, AZ Alkmaar play on a Desso GrassMaster system in their stadiums.

Desso GrassMaster has also been used successfully for both rugby (a.o. Vodacom Stormers-Newlands Stadium) and American Football, including top clubs such as American National Football League's Denver Broncos, Green Bay Packers and Philadelphia Eagles.