Abby Wambach: FIFA turned down free grass fields for World Cup

NEW YORK, May 8 (UPI) -- Soccer player Abby Wambach said FIFA rejected the opportunity for the Women's World Cup to be played on grass fields rather than turf.

Wambach claims the Canadian Soccer Association offered to put in grass fields for the Cup, but FIFA insisted on turf. Turf causes more abrasions, scrapes, bruises and concussions than grass.

FIFA claimed the turf was part of Canada's original bid and was honored.

"I heard it from the second highest guy, [FIFA secretary general] Jerome Valcke, himself," said Wombach.

FIFA president Sepp Blatter has called himself the "godfather" of women's soccer, but has been accused numerous times of anti-female and sexist actions and remarks.