FIFA presiden Sepp Blatter has revealed there is a very real possibility of some matches at the 2010 World Cup being played on artificial pitches.

Concern has already been raised that the surfaces in South Africa may not be up to scratch in time for the tournament.

FIFA's Confederations Cup is due to take place in South Africa next year and will largely be used to road test some of the stadia in the country.

And if the pitches at that tournament are deemed below standard, then artificial turf will be installed, according to the FIFA boss.

Blatter said: "If there are any problems with the quality of the pitches then it's a possibility that the 2010 World Cup could be played on artificial turf.

"This is the truth. Artificial turf is the future."

Artificial turf was controversially used for England's Euro 2008 qualifier against Russia in Moscow last year. Russia won the game 2-1.

However, UEFA have refused to use the artificial pitch in that stadium for May's Champions League final.

Instead they have insisted a grass pitch is laid to stage their showpiece event.

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