The state of the turf at the Stade de Genève is raising serious concerns ahead of the upcoming Nations League match between Switzerland and Spain. With a fungus outbreak devastating the turf, both players and coaching staff are concerned that the pitch conditions could significantly affect the match.

Disaster just days before match

The turf at the Stade de Genève has become a source of serious problems just days before an important Nations League match. Last week, players Marc Cucurella and Robert Sánchez, who were involved in Servette's match against Chelsea in the Europa League, gave the Spanish national team staff worrying information about the state of the pitch.

The fungus epidemic that has infested the pitch has left many areas of the pitch literally in a state of disrepair. The Swiss football federation made strenuous attempts to rectify the situation before the match, but the scale of the damage is immense. Fungus has wreaked havoc on the pitch, destroying the grass and leaving empty, earthy areas that make normal play difficult. The situation is so serious that on Wednesday the Servette and Chelsea teams were forced to move training to the smaller Balexert Stadium, the arena of Servette's youth team.

© Michał Nowak

What's next for matches at Geneva's stadium?

The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) was informed of the problems at the stadium by the Swiss Football Association. The Swiss have indicated that they want the match to take place on the best possible pitch. Despite the seriousness of the situation, Geneva still remains the venue for the match, although the federation is waiting for further steps from the organisers to resolve the turf problems.

The situation in which the organisers find themselves is extremely difficult. On the one hand, there is the pressure to play the match on time, and on the other hand, the need to provide adequate conditions for the players of both teams. Everyone is hoping that in the next few days the turf can be at least partially repaired and the match can be played at an appropriate level.

© Michał Nowak

Not only in Geneva

The turf problem in Geneva is part of a wider problem affecting other stadiums in Switzerland, including venues in Sion and Lucerne. Three different fungi are attacking the stadiums, damaging the grass, which is more suitable for amateur games than international football matches. Although a decision has been made to paint the pitch green to at least visually improve its appearance, the problem is still unresolved. The option of an express replacement of the pitch was even considered, but the high costs (reaching up to 600,000 Swiss francs) and logistical challenges meant that this idea was rejected.