UK soccer clubs vote against having artificial pitches for now

Chairmen and chairpersons of football teams in the United Kingdom have voted against having artificial pitches in Leagues One and Two in the 2015-16 season.

Thursday's meeting saw 34 chairmen voting in favour of artificial pitches, and 34 against and four abstentions.

The outcome came as a surprise after a majority had indicated in September they would vote in favour of permitting the use of plastic playing surfaces, reports the BBC.

The voting pattern demonstrates that there is still a desire amongst clubs to find out more about artificial playing surfaces before taking such a significant step, said Football League chief executive Shaun Harvey.

Artificial surfaces were outlawed from professional football in 1995 over issues with ball roll and injuries. However, they can be used in the FA Cup and at Conference level.

Advocates in favour say that the pitches, which cost around 500,000 pounds to install, represent good value and could produce vital revenue streams for clubs who struggle to make ends meet.

Additional revenue from an artificial pitch, based on 40 hours use per week, would be worth around 165,000 pounds a year

On the other hand, it takes eight weeks to return to a grass pitch and costs around 150,000 pounds.

The Professional Footballers Association (PFA) had voiced its opposition to plastic pitches and made it clear it was against the proposal.