PST Sport Completes First Artificial Grass Pitch Under New FIFA Manual 2024 Guidelines

Earlier this month, PST Sport completed a full-size artificial grass pitch resurface for Dublin grassroots football club, Malahide United FC. The new FIFA Quality certified surface, featuring TriPlex 45 laid over a 12mm preformed shock pad, sets a new benchmark for artificial grass pitches under FIFA’s updated 2024 testing and certification standards.

This project marks an important milestone for PST Sport as the first completed under the new FIFA Test Manual 2024. The updated manual introduces significant changes in how pitches are tested and approved, including revised methods for shock absorption, vertical deformation, recycled content validation and dynamic fatigue testing. These updates reflect FIFA’s ongoing commitment to innovation and long-term performance standards across the football industry.

Enhanced Shock Absorption Requirements

The 2024 FIFA Test Manual introduces stricter shock absorption and deformation criteria, aligned with EN standards, to enhance player safety and pitch consistency. Shock pads must now meet tighter performance limits, ensuring uniform playability and durability under heavy use throughout the pitch’s lifespan.

Advanced Testing and Measurement Systems

The manual introduces new testing devices, including the Advanced Artificial Athlete (AAA) for shock absorption and energy return, and the Rotational Traction Athlete (RTA) for traction and rotational stability. Additionally, the Head Injury Criterion (HIC) test now measures critical fall height (CFH ≥0.60m) to assess high-impact safety, providing a more accurate evaluation of player–surface interaction and long-term durability.

Carpet Report and Future Resurfacing Compliance

A key update is the mandatory FIFA Carpet report, recording all materials, construction tolerances and test results. This becomes the reference for future resurfacing. When resurfaced, retained components such as the shock pad or infill must be retested and shown to perform within the manufacturer’s declared tolerances, typically ±5% for shock absorption and ±2mm for deformation, to maintain FIFA compliance.

Commitment to Sustainability and Long-Term Performance

The new manual places greater emphasis on environmental responsibility, requiring verification of recycled content in synthetic yarns and stricter testing of infill materials to ensure environmental safety and quality. FIFA Quality certification now remains valid for three years, subject to correct maintenance, ensuring surfaces continue to meet global standards over time.

“Delivering Malahide United’s new pitch under the revised FIFA guidelines is a major milestone for PST Sport. This was one of the first projects to be completed under the new FIFA Test Manual 2024, and we’re proud that Malahide United’s pitch was among the first to meet these newly implemented global standards.

As FIFA raises the bar for artificial turf quality and testing, our in-house team is leading the way in meeting and exceeding those expectations.”

Colin Teahon, MD, PST Sport

CCGrass’s TriPlex 45 system, featuring Triple Fibre Technology, continues to set the standard in artificial turf innovation, combining exceptional durability, resilience, and playability for both match and training use.

PST Sport remains committed to driving innovation across every stage of pitch construction, from design and pitch construction through to maintenance, ensuring every surface is built to perform at the highest level for years to come.