An a game between friends on the synthetic grass pitch? Five-a-side football and table football fans, get ready: we're talking about you! the increase in the cost of the match looms. And even for governments you could be finedReason? Consequences of an EU decision.
EU bans microplastics in synthetic fields
It is a measure adopted 2 years ago by the European Commission for a greater environmental protection but brought back to the fore by a question from the Croatian MEP Biljana Borzan (S&D): concerns the stop the sale of microplastics and in particular "the granular infill material used for artificial turf sports surfaces." What is the current status of the redevelopment and remediation of the various synthetic turf fields scattered across the 27-member EU?
Answers the question Stephane Sejourné, Executive Vice President of the Commission responsible for Industrial Strategy. She doesn't give numbers. But she is clear and calls governments into question: "Member States are responsible for verification of compliance with limits for filling materials used on sports fields." It follows that "in the event of evidence indicating a failure to apply EU law, the Commission may initiate infringement proceedings against Member States." A clear message. Therefore, the various governments must take action if they want to avoid heavy fines.
Price increases in sight for football fans
There is no doubt that the New EU legislation impacts sports clubs, on football schools and other organisations that must plan the renovation of their fields to adapt them to the new rules. The pitches need to be brought into compliance and this the operation is not free for those who manage sports facilities, and it's all too easy to predict that the new costs will be passed on to the end consumer: the amateur soccer player. Therefore, more expensive pitch rental fees for small games.
A reality that does not escape Stephane Séjourné, who perhaps to reassure sports clubs and football lovers points out that "the replacement of dangerous filling materials for sports surfaces with more eco-friendly materials could be financed by the EU cohesion policy funds"Furthermore, private sports facilities "may be eligible for support from EU cohesion policy funds that support micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises." Is this enough to cover expenses and avoid price increases?
The numbers in Italy and the waste disposal game
What is the situation here? It's impossible to calculate the number of synthetic turf pitches. Let's stick to the 2023 FIGC report, which, it's worth noting, refers to regulation-sized pitches for 11-player teams: there are 2.954 artificial turf pitches in Italy, more than 22% of the total 13.249 facilities. The combination of synthetic turf filaments, combined with polyethylene and polypropylene, while providing greater durability, also poses a health risk.
La European Commission grants necessary time Member States are required to comply, but in the meantime, another problem arises: the disposal of the replaced synthetic material. But that's another story. One thing is certain: no one could have imagined that a simple game between friends could hide the risks of price increases, government fines, and environmental problems.
