TIME TO RELAX EFL’S 3G BAN!
THE FAN Led Review of Football Governance has highlighted how Non-League clubs are being prevented from generating additional revenue through 3G pitches and the sale of alcohol due to regulation and law. Artificial pitches are currently banned in the EFL meaning clubs promoted from the National League must install a grass surface or face double relegation. Last season’s champions Sutton United and 2019-20 play-off winners Harrogate Town both chose to rip up their plastic pitches following promotion.
Sutton estimate they will lose over £200,000 a year from the loss of community use of their 3G pitch having had to pay £500,000 to reinstall grass. The Review could not find conclusive proof that synthetic turf increases risk of injury and acknowledged the pitches were being used at the highest levels of the game such as in the Champions League.
Therefore it recommended that the EFL relax its rules to allow use of artificial surfaces or at least allow clubs least a ‘grace period’ before they are required to change to a grass.
National League South side Dulwich Hamlet gave evidence to the Review highlighting how around 40 per cent of its income is generated through alcohol sales. The club explained, if promoted to the National League, they would be restricted by The Sporting Events Act 1985 which prohibits the sale of alcohol in sight of the pitch. The Review recognised the issues alcohol at football can cause but, with the support of the Sports Grounds Safety Authority (SGSA), recommended that a small scale and limited pilot scheme be designed and operated in League Two and the National League. However, SGSA recognised that there would be significant push back from the police on pilots and any move to reform the existing legislation.