Ensuring that your football stadium aligns with FIFA's guidelines is crucial for hosting official matches and providing a safe, enjoyable experience for players and spectators. Below, we outline the key aspects of FIFA's recommendations for pitch dimensions and surrounding areas.
Field of Play Dimensions
FIFA recommends that the field of play be a rectangle measuring 105 meters in length and 68 meters in width. These dimensions ensure uniformity and fairness in the game. The field must be level, without any undulations, and marked with continuous lines as specified in Law 1 of the Laws of the Game.
FIFA recommend dimension of pitch
Grassed Area Beyond the Field
Beyond the primary field, a grassed area should extend to accommodate player safety and additional activities. FIFA recommends at least two meters of level surface, ideally the same as the field, beyond each touchline and goal line. For larger stadiums, this extends to five meters beyond each goal line and four meters beyond each touchline before any perimeter advertising boards. This space reduces collision risks and ensures consistent footing for players.
Pitch Surrounding Area
The pitch surrounding area includes the field of play, the extended grassed area, and additional space up to the spectator areas or other boundaries. This zone should be free from permanent installations to allow free movement for security personnel and photographers. All surfaces within this area should be non-slip to ensure safety.
Players’ Tunnel
The players’ tunnel, typically located at the halfway line, serves as the entry and exit point for players and officials. It should be spacious enough to accommodate all participants comfortably. The minimum recommended dimensions are 4.5 meters in width and 2.4 meters in height. The tunnel should have protective, non-slip flooring and, if necessary, a fireproof telescopic design to shield players from external elements.
Tottenham Hotspur’s Captain Son Heung-Min existing the players’ tunnel. (Photo: Shutterstock)
CGT is the Official Synthetic Turf Supplier of Tottenham Hotspur.
Warm-Up Areas
Stadiums should provide two warm-up areas, preferably behind each goal, measuring approximately 3 meters by 30 meters. If space constraints exist, alternative locations next to team benches can be considered. The surface of these areas should match that of the field to maintain consistency and prevent injuries.
Advertising Boards and Emergency Exits
Placement of advertising boards requires careful consideration to avoid obstructing sightlines and ensuring player safety. FIFA recommends specific distances from the field of play, as mentioned earlier. Additionally, all emergency gates must open quickly towards the field and align directly with spectator area gangways. Perimeter boards should not hinder emergency evacuations, and pitch sprinklers should not be positioned behind advertising boards.
Field of Play Equipment
All equipment, including goals and corner flags, must comply with the latest version of Law 1 – The Field of Play in the Laws of the Game. Corner flags should be at least 1.5 meters high with non-pointed tops. Team benches should be located parallel to the touchline, between five and eight meters from the field, and at least five meters from the halfway line.
CGT has been a proud FIFA licensee since 2019 and Tottenham Hotspur’s Official Synthetic Turf Supplier, bringing over 22 years of expertise in artificial turf manufacturing and football pitch design. Whether you’re planning a new stadium project or upgrading an existing facility, we’re here to deliver world-class solutions that meet FIFA's exacting standards.
Contact us to discuss your project and ensure your pitch is ready for the highest level of competition!
