CP29592332
In this picture taken Saturday May 17, 2014, US actor Tom Hanks, second left, and a young woman take a photo during the German soccer cup final between Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund at the stadium in Berlin. Actor Tom Hanks has added his voice to those protesting the artificial turf surfaces that Canadian venues will use at the upcoming FIFA 2015 Women\'s World Cup. THE CANADIAN PRESS/ AP, dpa, Kay Nietfeld

Tom Hanks says women deserve grass fields at World Cup; actor wants artificial turf cast away

TORONTO – Tom Hanks takes his soccer seriously. And when the Women’s World Cup comes to Canada in 2015, he wants the games played on grass fields.

The actor is adding his voice to those protesting the use of artificial turf for the six Canadian venues. On Friday, Hanks tweeted: “Opinion: Women’s World Cup is the best Soccer of the year. Hey FIFA, they deserve real grass. Put in sod.”

Forty international players recently wrote to FIFA and the Canadian Soccer Association threatening legal action. They say requiring women to play on artificial turf is discriminatory.

In Toronto this month, FIFA President Sepp Blatter lauded the quality of today’s artificial turf. Still, the players in the letter say the risk for injury remains greater than on grass surfaces.

Hanks is a fan of the English Premier League club Aston Villa.

News from © The Associated Press, . All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Join the Conversation!

Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community? Create a free account to comment on stories, ask questions, and join meaningful discussions on our new site.

Leave a Reply

The Associated Press

The Associated Press

The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world’s population sees AP journalism every day.

Related Articles