The firm of pitch consultants advising Wembley Stadium's owners about their much criticised playing surface has decided to quit.
The Sports Turf Research Institute said Wednesday that it was no longer needed after putting forward an alternative strategy to improve the turf, which drew particular criticism after this season's FA Cup semifinals.
``We are pleased that Wembley has adopted our proposed strategy which should see improvements to the pitch during 2010,'' Gordon McKillop, the institute's chief executive, said. ``This new structure of pitch does not require the previous level of research and consultancy from the STRI team and, therefore, we feel it is the right time to resign.''
Wembley's surface was called ``ridiculous'' by Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp after his side lost 2-0 to Portsmouth.
The consultants' resignation, which will take effect at the end of the month, came two days after their services at the World Cup were praised by FIFA.
``The standard of the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa pitches has been at an exceptionally high standard with complimentary feedback from teams and players,'' world football's ruling body said in a statement Monday.
FIFA said STRI consultants had been working in South Africa for the past four months, ``focusing on the preparation of the 54 pitches ensuring that they are in perfect condition.''
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Associated Press Writer Graham Dunbar in Johannesburg contributed to this report.
