Football Flanders opts for general cancellation, despite an increasing number of artificial grass fields: “Can be dangerous for players”

Due to the first winter injection of the year, Voetbal Vlaanderen decided on Friday to cancel many matches. Thousands of (youth) Football players will therefore have to wait a week longer before entering the green mat. Traditionally, Voetbal Vlaanderen’s decision to cancel has caused division, not least because more and more clubs have invested heavily in an artificial grass field in recent years.

The ball will not roll this weekend in the provinces of East Flanders, Flemish Brabant and Antwerp. Not everyone on social media is happy with this decision by Voetbal Vlaanderen. There is misunderstanding, especially from clubs with an artificial grass field.

“To date, we make no distinction between natural grass and artificial grass fields in our decisions about cancellations,” says Nand De Klerck, spokesperson for Voetbal Vlaanderen.

De Klerck emphasizes that an artificial grass field is not sanctifying. Playing football on artificial grass in these winter conditions can have disastrous consequences. “We recently had discussions with a specialized company. They have emphasized that there are many different types of artificial grass, with one type being better suited to these weather conditions than the other.”

“The major danger with certain types of artificial grass fields is that a layer of water remains under the artificial grass during excessive rainfall. That layer can then freeze, causing slippery and hard spots on the artificial grass field. This can create potentially dangerous situations for the players and also cause extra wear and tear on the artificial grass field,” concludes De Klerck.