FIFA-Fußballrasen VS. Normaler Fußballrasen 

With the development of artificial turf technology, more and more international stadiums, football clubs, and schools are replacing natural grass with artificial turf in their football fields. Meanwhile, in 2001, FIFA established an international systematic standard for artificial turf in football fields – FIFA certification. Products undergo specialized design, a series of tests, and certifications before being considered qualified FIFA football turf.

When building a football field, choosing the right turf is often more crucial than you might imagine. It not only affects the sporting experience and the field’s lifespan but also directly determines whether the field can successfully pass inspections, host events, and even attract investors. When sports architects, investors, and football clubs are making initial project plans, they often face an important question – “FIFA-certified turf” versus “regular football turf,” how to choose? Mighty Grass, as an expert in FIFA-certified manufacturers, will provide a comprehensive analysis today on choosing the right turf for your project.

“FIFA-certified turf” versus “regular football turf,” which should you choose?

Choosing between “FIFA grass” and “regular football grass” (usually referring to non-FIFA certified artificial turf) requires weighing the project’s purpose, goals, budget, maintenance capabilities, and usage intensity. If the goal is to host international or official matches, requiring high durability and uniformity, FIFA-certified artificial turf (often called FIFA QUALITY or FIFA QUALITY PRO grade) is generally more suitable. For high-density training fields or cost-sensitive commercial football fields, some projects may consider high-end natural grass that meets FIFA standards or rigorously selected artificial turf, but the former has different impacts on maintenance costs and construction time. For recreational community or school football fields, where cost-effectiveness is a primary consideration, high-quality non-FIFA certified football grass can be chosen, meeting performance requirements while also being more cost-effective.

The main differences between FIFA-certified turf and regular football grass lie in quality standards, performance, cost, and after-sales warranty. This article provides a detailed analysis of the differences and characteristics between the two in these factors to help you make the right choice.

FIFA Certified Football Turf

FIFA certifications for artificial turf (FIFA BASIC, FIFA QUALITY, FIFA QUALITY PRO) go beyond just one or two indicators. They involve a rigorous performance testing system, primarily including:

• Mechanical Performance Testing: Ball roll, ball rebound, rotational resistance, etc., ensuring performance closely resembles natural grass.
• Mechanical and Safety Testing: Shock absorption, vertical deformation, Gmax (peak acceleration), to ensure athlete safety and reduce injury risk.
• Durability and Aging Testing: Tensile strength, abrasion resistance, and UV aging resistance tests to assess long-term performance.
• Material and System Integrity: Grass fiber formulation, backing system, drainage performance, infill system compatibility, etc.

These tests are typically conducted by authorized laboratories according to standardized criteria. Only turf that passes all tests can be awarded the FIFA certification mark.

FIFA Grass Quality

1. Raw Materials (Polyethylene (PE), Polypropylene (PP), Nylon (PA))
   • FIFA Grass: Prefers high-molecular-weight PE or specially modified PE. Some high-end products use nylon blends to improve resilience and abrasion resistance. Raw materials generally require higher levels of antioxidant and UV-resistant formulations and heat stabilizer ratios.
   • Regular Grass: Commonly uses basic PE or PP, with fewer additives in the formulation, resulting in lower cost but relatively weaker anti-aging properties.
2. Grass Filament Shape (Fiber Cross-section and Structure)
   • FIFA Grass: Employs complex cross-sections (C-shaped, W-shaped, micro-striped, etc.) or hollow fiber designs to optimize ball feel and fiber resilience; the fiber surface may have microstructure treatments to reduce light reflection and improve ball feel.
   • Regular Grass: Commonly uses U-shaped or flat filaments, with a simple structure, but slightly inferior ball feel and resilience.
3. Grass Pile Density and Stitches
   • FIFA Turf: Typically has a pile height between 40–65 mm (depending on application; professional courts often use 40–60 mm). It has a higher stitch rate (stitches per square meter) and face weight (g/square meter) to achieve a stable feel and durability.
   • Regular Turf: Pile height can be customized, but face weight and stitch count tend to be lower, resulting in a more entry-level/training-grade feel and cost.

FIFA Turf Performance

FIFA turf performance indicators primarily revolve around two core factors: “match performance” and “sports safety.” Below are the most critical and reliable technical indicators in FIFA testing—these data reflect the core advantages of FIFA turf.

• Match-Quality Ball Feel: The ball’s roll, bounce, and turn are closer to natural grass, meeting the standards required by referees and players for match performance.
  • Ball rollen: Tests the distance a football rolls freely on the turf surface (unit: meters).
    • Standard Values: FIFA Quality: 4–10 m; FIFA Quality Pro: 6–9 m.
    • Significance: Represents the consistency between ball speed and field friction. Too short a distance → too much friction, affecting passing speed and ball control accuracy. Too long a distance → too little friction, ball speed too high, making it difficult to control.
  • Ball Rebound: Tests the height a football bounces on the turf after being dropped from a height of 2 meters (unit: centimeters).
    • Standard values: FIFA Quality: 60–100 cm; FIFA Quality Pro: 60–85 cm
    • Significance: Measures the similarity between the ball’s bounce performance on turf and natural grass.

• Athlete Protection: Excellent shock absorption and force dispersion, reducing the risk of sports injuries (especially to joints and ligaments).
  • Shock Absorption: The ability of the turf system to absorb the impact of the ground on the athlete, expressed as a percentage.
    • Standard values: FIFA Quality: 55–70%; FIFA Quality Pro: 60–70%.
    • Significance: Indicates the reaction force of the ground on the ankle and knee; the higher the value, the gentler the impact, but excessive values ​​can affect athletic efficiency.
  • Vertikale Verformung: The depth to which the turf is compressed when an athlete lands (unit: mm). Standard values: FIFA Quality: 4–11 mm; FIFA Quality Pro: 4–10 mm.
  • Rotationswiderstand: Tests the resistance of football studs when rotating on the turf (unit: Nm). Standard values: FIFA Quality: 25–50 Nm; FIFA Quality Pro: 30–45 Nm.
• Weather resistance and lifespan: Utilizes a high-quality, stable formula with strong UV resistance and anti-aging capabilities, generally resulting in a longer lifespan (see data in the next section).
  • UV-Beständigkeit: The retention rate of grass fiber color and tensile strength after simulating 6,000–8,000 hours of sun exposure. Directly affects the lifespan and color retention of the turf.
  • Tuft Bind: The bonding strength between the grass fibers and the backing fabric. Standard values: ≥40N (Tuft Bind); ≥25N/100mm (Seam Strength).
• Commercial value derived from certification: Projects are more likely to pass bidding processes, secure event hosting contracts, and gain greater recognition from governments or sponsors.

FIFA Testing Indicators Overview (Typical Parameter Comparison)

Performance Items	FIFA Quality Standards	FIFA Quality Pro Standards	Summary of Significance
Kugelrolle	4-10 m	6–9 m	Consistency between ball control and ball speed
Schockabsorption	55-70%	60-70%	Motion cushioning and comfort
Vertikale Verformung	4-11 mm	4–10 mm	Elasticity and feel
Rotationswiderstand	25-50 Nm	30–45 Nm	Foot stability
Ballrückprall	60–100 cm	60-85 cm	Similar to natural grass bounce
Gmax	≤200 g	≤200 g	Firmness and safety factor
UV-Beständigkeit	≥6,000 h No brittle fracture	≥8,000 h No brittle fracture	Weather resistance
drainage	≥1,000 L/m²/h	≥1,500 L/m²/h	Rapid drainage
Büschelbindung	≥40 N	≥45 N	Stretch resistance
Seam Strength	≥25 N/100mm	≥30 N/100mm	Tear resistance
Reibung der Haut	0.35–0.55	0.35–0.50	Sports safety
Energie-Rückerstattung	≥20%	≥25%	Running efficiency and comfort

FIFA Turf Prices

The price of FIFA turf is not a single value, but is determined by several factors:

• Raw material costs (polymer materials, UV-resistant formula);
• Complexity of the turf fiber manufacturing process (cross-section, fiber treatment);
• Surface weight (g/m²) and stitch count/m²;
• Backing system quality (single/double layer, PU coating, heat sealing process);
• Infill materials (rubber granules, gravel, composite infill, etc.);
• System-level services (field subgrade preparation, drainage system, installation labor, and FIFA inspection services).

Example price ranges (for industry reference only; actual prices may vary):

• FIFA Quality (Training/Amateur Level) System: Approximately $18–$30/m² (including some basic infill);
• FIFA Quality Pro (Professional/Match Level) System: Approximately $25–$45/m² (including professional infill and systematic installation).

Tipps: The above prices do not include field construction/drainage works, complex subgrade modifications, and high-end infill materials, which will result in higher prices. When providing FIFA systems, MightyGrass offers a complete breakdown of costs, making the cost structure transparent and helping clients make informed decisions.

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After-sales Service and Warranty for FIFA Certified Turf

• Warranty Period: High-end FIFA system manufacturers typically offer 8-10 years or longer material and performance warranties (depending on contract terms), and provide periodic performance reviews and maintenance recommendations.
• Systematic Maintenance Services: Includes professional repainting, refilling, local repairs, and annual performance testing recommendations; testing assistance is provided when necessary to maintain FIFA standards.
• Project Support: Manufacturers usually provide construction supervision, technical training, and material support to ensure system installation meets design parameters and reduces later problems.

FIFA Football Turf Grades

FIFA has an established Quality Programme for Fußballrasen, and only products that are compliant with this programme should be considered as suitable football turf.

This programme covers licensed manufacturers whose products are specifically designed to ensure that they deliver in terms of playing performance, safety, durability and quality assurance. The programme then requires a specific on-site performance test to ensure each installation is of the correct standard.

There are three levels to the programme:

FIFA QUALITY PRO, which is designed for professional football with a typical usage of up to 20 hours per week.

FIFA QUALITY, designed for municipal, recreational and community football with a typical usage of 40-60 hours per week.

FIFA BASIC, an entry-level standard that fulfils basic performance and safety criteria whilst ensuring affordability.

Non-FIFA Certified Soccer Grass

Regular (non-FIFA certified) soccer grass typically has lower initial investment and maintenance costs than high-grade FIFA certified grass, but its performance in terms of tournament acceptance, long-term durability consistency, and stability under high-intensity use may be slightly inferior to FIFA certified soccer grass. Its differences in product quality, performance, cost, and after-sales service are also slightly less than FIFA soccer grass.

Produktqualität

Regular soccer grass is more flexible in terms of raw materials and manufacturing standards, primarily pursuing a balance between durability and price.

• Grass fiber material: Mostly uses PE (polyethylene) monofilament or blended fibers; softness and abrasion resistance depend on the raw material grade.
• Form der Grasfaser: Common designs include S-shape, U-shape, and diamond shape; some high-end models also use diamond wire structures to improve resilience.
• Density and height: Generally 40–50mm in height, with a density of approximately 8,000–10,000 stitches/m², suitable for amateur matches and teaching fields.
• Rückendeckung: Commonly uses a double-layer PP fabric + mesh fabric composite layer; quality varies significantly between manufacturers.

Tipps: While ordinary soccer turf isn’t tested by FIFA laboratories, factories with over 20 years of experience can still provide consistent quality. The key lies in using imported raw materials and mature turf fiber drawing processes.

Leistung

The performance of ordinary soccer turf focuses on “safety + visual effect”, not on the athletic performance of international competition.

Performance Indicator	Typical Range for Standard Football Turf	Impact on Playing Experience
Ball Bounce Height	50–90 cm	Faster ball speed; close to natural grass but slightly harder
Ball Roll Distance	6–12 m	Suitable for training and recreational use
Schockabsorption	35-55%	Relatively low; fatigue may occur during long-duration play
Vertikale Verformung	3-8 mm	Medium foot comfort
Friction Coefficient	Relatively high, approx. 0.6–0.8	Higher abrasion risk; requires proper infill adjustment
Wear Resistance Test	10,000–20,000 cycles	Suitable for medium-intensity usage fields
UV Aging Resistance	3,000–5,000 hours	Medium UV resistance

Kostenaufschlüsselung

The total cost of ordinary football grass is about 30-50% lower than that of the FIFA system, making it the preferred choice for most small and medium-sized projects.

Kostenpunkt	Price Range (USD/m²)	Beschreibung
Kunstrasenmaterial	$4 – $8	Depends on turf fiber type and density
Silica Sand + Rubber Granule Infill	$2 – $4	Optional; some low-end projects use sand only
Basis Konstruktion	$10 – $15	Includes sub-base, drainage, leveling, etc.
Total Cost (Estimated)	$16 – $25/m²	Varies by project scale and material standards

By comparison, the total construction cost of a FIFA-certified turf system typically ranges from $25 – $40/m², and can be higher depending on region.

After-Sales & Warranty

• Warranty Period: Typically 3–5 years (up to 6 years for reputable manufacturers).
• Maintenance Recommendations:
  • Clean the infill layer and replenish rubber granules quarterly;
  • Regularly brush the grass to prevent it from flattening;
  • Check the seam tape for aging.
• Risk Points: After-sales service for some non-certified products relies on installers, resulting in slow maintenance response when issues such as fading or fraying occur.

Empfehlung: Choose manufacturers with export experience and a stable supply chain (such as Mighty Grass) to obtain a higher level of warranty and technical support.

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Global Top FIFA Turf Certified Manufacturers

• FieldTurf (Kanada/USA)
  • Core Advantages: Wide global reach, product line covering the entire artificial turf system (grass fiber, infill, underlayment, installation), with full FIFA certification coverage (Quality/Quality Pro, etc.). High global tournament acceptance and a comprehensive after-sales service network. Suitable for large stadiums, international event hosting, and high-intensity use scenarios.
• Domo Sports Grass (Belgium, part of the Sports & Leisure Group)
  • Core Advantages: Long-term stable innovation and high-standard testing system, one of the FIFA certified suppliers, with a globally distributed service and training system. Suitable for high-end competitive scenarios and multi-functional fields.
• Mächtiges Gras (China, Saudi Arabia)
  • Core Advantages: As a global FIFA Quality/Quality Pro certified supplier, with over 20 years of experience in manufacturing high-end sports turf, a 2008 Olympic supplier, two modern production bases worldwide, and an annual production capacity of 10 million square meters.
  • Customizable Solutions: From design consultation, material selection, construction and installation to subsequent maintenance, training and upgrades, we provide a one-stop solution to reduce the operational risks for sports contractors.

Make the Right Choice for Your Football Field

Indicator / Item	FIFA-Certified Football Turf (Typical)	Standard Football Turf (Typical)	Recommendation for Projects
Target Use	Professional matches, long-term usage, events	Training, schools, communities, commercial	Choose based on field purpose
Florhöhe	40-65 mm	30–50 mm	Competitive venues prefer higher pile height for better foot feel
Gesicht Gewicht	1,200–2,200 g/m²	800–1,600 g/m²	Higher face weight improves durability but increases cost
Stitch Rate	8,000–20,000 stitches/m²	4,000–12,000 stitches/m²	Higher density = more uniform + more durable
Gmax / Impact Absorption	Meets stricter FIFA limits (safer)	Higher impact level	Choose FIFA standard when athlete safety is a priority
Kugelrolle	6.0–9.0 m (stable)	More variation	Competitive fields require stability
UV / Aging Resistance	Premium formula (8–12-year lifespan)	General formula (5–8-year lifespan)	High-sunlight or heavy-use fields → choose FIFA materials
Installation Requirements	Requires system base tests & certification	Flexible installation, lower base requirements	Depends on budget & project complexity
Price (Turf + Base + Infill)	~$18–$45/m² (reference)	~$8–$25/m² (reference)	Varies based on region & ground conditions
Garantie	5–8 years (or longer) + system support	1–5 years (depends on supplier)	Long-term ROI & durability matter
Wartung	Scheduled pro maintenance, stable performance	More infill top-ups & grooming	Budget for lifecycle care
Commercial Value	Best for hosting matches & branding	Budget-friendly option	For events or competitive bidding → choose FIFA

How to balance performance with a limited budget?

If your project budget is limited but you still want a match-quality experience, consider the following compromises:

1. A hybrid strategy: Use high-specification turf with a higher surface weight in the main pitch areas (goal area and center line), and use more cost-effective ordinary grass in other areas, balancing cost and performance.
2. Phase upgrades: Initially choose ordinary grass and purchase compatible high-quality infill and backing materials; as funding increases, gradually upgrade to a FIFA system or replace the surface layer.
3. Optimize the subgrade and drainage: For the same turf surface, a good subgrade significantly improves performance and lifespan; prioritize the quality of the subgrade.
4. Sign maintenance agreements with suppliers: Spread costs through long-term maintenance contracts to maintain long-term field performance and extend its lifespan.

FIFA Turf Experts Conclusion

• If the goal is to host matches, attract sponsorships, and achieve long-term commercial operation: prioritize a FIFA-certified turf system and include systematic infrastructure and maintenance budgets in the initial budget.
• If the goal is school training, community activities, short-term projects, or a limited budget: prioritize regular soccer turf, but it’s recommended to choose a reputable supplier with transparent material formulations who can provide partial warranties and maintenance support.
• For projects aiming for a near-match experience at the optimal cost, negotiate with the supplier regarding surface weight, stitch count, infill scheme, and subgrade installation standards, incorporating lifecycle cost (LCC) into the decision-making process, rather than solely focusing on the initial cost.

Content Referenced From FIFA Official Website: Fußballrasen

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Häufig gestellte Fragen

Welche Vorteile bieten FIFA-Fußballrasen gegenüber nicht zertifizierten Alternativen?

FIFA-certified football turf gives you a higher level of performance, durability, and player protection. You are guaranteed that the surface has passed strict tests for ball roll, shock absorption, traction, UV stability, and infill safety. That means every training session and match delivers consistent ball behavior, reduced injury risk, and long-term durability.

With non-certified turf, quality may vary, and you may face issues such as poor resilience, uneven ball movement, premature wear, and more frequent maintenance or replacement.

How do I choose the right studs for different types of football grounds?

To protect the turf and maximize your traction, you should match your boots to the playing surface:

Surface	Recommended Stud Type	Why
Natural grass (soft / muddy)	SG (soft ground) — metal studs	Deep grip and traction
Natural grass (firm)	FG (firm ground) — molded studs	Balanced traction and comfort
3G / 4G artificial turf	AG (artificial ground) — hollow or shorter studs	Protects turf and reduces injury risk
Indoor or futsal	IC / TF (indoor court or turf shoes)	Flat or small rubber studs for stability

Tipp: Avoid metal studs on artificial turf — they can damage the surface and increase injury risk.

Which of these turf options is better for professional football games?

For professional competition venues, FIFA Quality PRO turf systems are the ideal choice. You benefit from:

• Top-level ball control and roll consistency
  
• Enhanced shock absorption to reduce injury risk
  
• FIFA-verified durability and performance
  
• Annual testing to maintain elite match standards
  

Standard or non-certified turf is suitable for schools, communities, or training grounds, but pro games demand FIFA PRO standards.

What are the main differences between FIFA turf and non-certified turf?

Besonderheit	FIFA-Certified Turf	Nicht-zertifizierter Rasen
Sportliche Leistung	Verified for ball roll, bounce, traction	Variable performance
Sicherheit	Tested for G-max shock absorption	May cause higher injury risk
Haltbarkeit	8–12 year lifespan with warranty	3–8 years depending on quality
Materials	Premium fiber, shock pad, eco-infill	May use lower-grade materials
Zertifizierung	Lab + on-site tests	No official testing
Field Approval	Can host official matches	For general play & training

When you choose FIFA turf, you know the field performs to global competition standards — no guesswork.

Welche Marken liefern FIFA-zugelassenen Rasen für Profifußballplätze?

FIFA maintains a list of approved turf system providers. You can source from well-known certified suppliers such as:

• Mighty Grass (China)
• Polytan GmbH(Germany)
• FieldTurf (North America)
• GreenFields (USA)
• CCGrass (China)
• Edel Grass (Netherlands)

These suppliers undergo ongoing FIFA testing for fiber quality, shock pad systems, infill, and installation standards — ensuring you receive a reliable, competition-grade system.