Introduction: Why FIFA Approval Matters

A FIFA-approved turf represents the highest global standard for football surface quality—ensuring every match is played on a field that's safe, consistent, and built for professional performance.

To maintain this quality worldwide, FIFA established the FIFA Quality Programme for Football Turf, which licenses companies that meet strict manufacturing and installation criteria. Only turf systems installed by these FIFA licensees can be tested and certified under FIFA's program.

FIFA's certification is more than a badge. It's an assurance that the field has passed advanced laboratory and on-site testing for ball roll, shock absorption, vertical deformation, and player-surface interaction—the foundation for true game-quality football.

FIFA field-testing equipment measuring football turf performance

What "FIFA-Approved Turf" Really Means: FIFA Quality & FIFA Quality Pro

FIFA's turf certification program is structured into three levels: FIFA Basic, FIFA Quality, and FIFA Quality Pro. While FIFA Basic is intended for non-competitive recreational play, this article focuses on the two higher tiers that define professional and semi-professional standards:

FIFA Quality—designed for entry-level matches and daily training, supporting up to 40 hours of weekly use. This level is ideal for community pitches, school grounds, and training facilities, ensuring safe, reliable, and consistent play for high-frequency use. FIFA Quality certification is valid for three years.

FIFA Quality Pro—intended for professional matches, including FIFA final-stage events and top-tier UEFA competitions, supporting up to 20 hours of weekly usage. Fields at this level meet stringent performance standards, delivering precise ball behavior, optimal shock absorption, and long-term durability suitable for elite athletes and competitive tournaments. FIFA Quality Pro certification is valid for one year.

Each certified field must pass rigorous laboratory and on-site testing across multiple categories—from ball roll and rebound to shock absorption and base stability—to earn its FIFA Certificate. Only FIFA Licensees are authorized to deliver turf systems eligible for certification, ensuring consistency and reliability in every project.

View the FIFA-certified turf systems

Core Technical Standards You Should Know

Building a FIFA-approved turf system requires rigorous testing to ensure consistent performance, player safety, and long-term durability. FIFA evaluates each field across several key technical aspects:

Rotational Resistance—Measures how easily a player can pivot or turn on the surface. Multiple points across the pitch are tested to ensure consistent grip and reduce injury risk.

Ball Roll & Rebound—Assesses how the ball behaves on the field, including rolling distance and bounce height. Tests are performed in multiple directions at several locations to ensure reliable and predictable play.

Vertical Ball Rebound—Evaluates the ball's bounce when dropped from a set height, simulating realistic game scenarios. Ensures a natural ball response similar to high-quality natural grass.

Vertical Shock Absorption—Measures how the surface absorbs impact, protecting players' joints and muscles. Tests are taken at various points to confirm uniform safety performance.

Surface Evenness – Checks for irregularities or bumps that could affect ball movement or player footing. Multiple points are measured to guarantee a smooth, level pitch.

Turf Height & Integrity—Confirms that the artificial grass fibers are consistent with lab-tested specifications and within optimal height ranges, ensuring both performance and durability.

By combining these tests, FIFA ensures that every certified pitch delivers consistent ball behavior, reliable traction, safe impact absorption, and durable construction—providing a professional-standard playing surface for training and competition.

Real Projects: CityGreen's FIFA-Certified Fields

As one of the few FIFA licensees in China, CityGreen Sports designs and installs turf systems that meet FIFA's global technical standards. Our certified fields are trusted by professional clubs and national sports facilities worldwide.

Tottenham Hotspur Training Centre, England

FIFA-certified football field by CityGreen Sports in England

CityGreen supplied and installed a FIFA-certified turf system for Tottenham Hotspur's Training Centre,delivering exceptional playability and consistency. The project met FIFA Quality Pro standards, ensuring elite-level performance for one of the world's most renowned football clubs.

Dire Dawa International Stadium, Ethiopia

FIFA-certified football pitch by CGT in Ethiopia

In Africa, CityGreen completed the Dire Dawa International Stadium, the first FIFA-certified football pitch in Ethiopia, which has already hosted numerous major international events. Despite challenging site conditions, our team delivered a pitch that fully complies with FIFA's rigorous testing standards, ensuring safe, consistent, and high-performance play.

In addition, CityGreen Sports has delivered several FIFA-certified projects across multiple countries. These installations demonstrate our proven expertise in constructing high-performance football pitches that comply with FIFA Quality and FIFA Quality Pro standards, regardless of climate or site challenges.

Conclusion: Building to FIFA Standards

Creating a FIFA-approved turf field demands far more than high-quality materials—it requires precision engineering, comprehensive testing, and licensed expertise. Every element of the pitch, from the sub-base and drainage to the grass fibers and infill, must be designed and installed to meet FIFA's stringent performance and safety criteria.

With experience across community fields, professional training centers, and international stadiums, CityGreen Sports is well-equipped to deliver high-performance, FIFA-certified turf systems that meet the required standards in any environment. For sports facility owners, clubs, or event organizers aiming to provide professional-grade playing surfaces, building to FIFA standards ensures not only compliance but also enhanced player safety, superior ball behavior, and long-term durability.

Build your FIFA-certified pitch with confidence. Contact CityGreen Sports today and let our proven process and expertise guide your project from design to completion.