AFC to ban use of artificial surfaces in several competitions from August 2025: Sources
SINGAPORE: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) will ban matches in several competitions from being played on artificial surfaces made entirely of synthetic fibres from August, according to two sources with knowledge of the matter.
This comes after the AFC updated its field of play surface requirements.
These tournaments include both national team and club competitions, such as the final round of AFC Asian Cup qualifiers, as well as the AFC Champions League Elite and AFC Champions League Two.
CNA understands that AFC member associations were informed of the move on Wednesday (Jun 11), and member associations affected by the decision have been requested to nominate an alternative stadium for all home matches.
This change could affect clubs such as the Lion City Sailors and BG Tampines Rovers, who will play in the AFC Champions League Two next season.
The men's national team is currently also in the final round of qualifying for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup, but played their opening home match against Hong Kong at the National Stadium. The Lions, who are top of their group, will next face India at home in October.
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