The debate over the surface has been rumbling ever
since the new stadium was opened two years ago but it intensified
over FA Cup semi-final weekend.
The turf proved problematic for Saturday's clash between Arsenal
and Chelsea and again for Sunday's tie between Manchester United
and Everton, with the top surface appearing spongy and giving way
easily under players' feet.
Its harshest critics were the two losing managers. Arsene Wenger
branded it "a disaster" and "laughable" while Sir Alex Ferguson
said the soil looked "dead" and withdrew three senior players from
his starting line-up because of injury concerns ahead of the
season's run-in.
The pitch has had to be re-laid five times in two years since
the new £750million stadium opened.
The standard of the turf even prompted the Australian Rugby
Union to investigate whether it contributed to injuries to two
Wallabies in an international against the Barbarians in November
last year.
The FA confirmed the state of the pitch is a concern and said
they are focusing on improving it for the numerous fixtures in the
next two months.
"Whilst recent changes to the surface have seen improvements in
player traction, we accept there are still further improvements to
be made," a statement from the governing body read.
"Wembley Stadium will continue to work hard to address these
issues for our next matches.
"The grounds team has made continual improvements to the pitch
since opening in 2007, however, the stadium's unique environment
continues to prove challenging."