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Tengrinews.kz – A Spanish media outlet close to Real Madrid claims that the club tried to pressure Kairat through UEFA ahead of their Champions League match.
According to okdiario.com, the Spanish club attempted to force the Almaty side to cut the grass at Central Stadium, arguing it would make the pitch more comfortable to play on. However, it turned out that UEFA rules did not support the complaint.
“Real Madrid requested UEFA to have the pitch at Central Stadium — where they face Kairat in the second round of the Champions League — mowed before the match because the grass was 25 millimeters high.
UEFA rejected the request, since the rules allow turf height up to 30 millimeters. Therefore, the Kazakh club’s decision, although the grass was higher than usual, was within legal limits,” the outlet reported.
It’s worth noting that grass length can affect ball movement speed — more technical teams that rely on quick passes prefer pitches with grass between 20 to 22 millimeters.
The Kairat vs. Real Madrid match will take place today, September 30, in Almaty. It marks Kairat’s first-ever home game in the Champions League group stage, and the first time Real Madrid plays on Kazakh soil.
Previously, Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Emergency Situations warned Almaty residents of severe weather expected on the day of the match.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid captain Federico Valverde said he was pleasantly surprised by the number of Real Madrid fans in Almaty.
