World Sports sets four-week target to restore Neo Química Arena pitch quality | OneFootball

World Sports, the firm maintaining the Neo Química Arena surface, has responded to criticism and set a four-week target to restore pitch standards after Corinthians’ 0-0 draw with Athletico Paranaense on Thursday.

The company said in a statement that the maintenance programme was overhauled during the World Cup pause, beginning after Brazil’s women faced the United States on 6 June.

The statement called the work the most comprehensive since the stadium opened, a continuation of 2025 steps that introduced a stitched hybrid system. It also involved complete removal of the organic layer to improve turf biology.

On sand content, criticised by Fernando Diniz due to abrasions, the method mirrors approaches used at the venue and in Premier League pitches.

Ryegrass is not yet mature because the refurbishment window was shorter than planned. Best practice for this hybrid model calls for around eight weeks without use, but Corinthians returned on 23 July against Remo, about 40 days after seeding.

The early return explains lower grass density and patches of exposed sand in high-traffic areas. Despite an eight-week standard, the firm’s monitoring indicated FIFA safety and performance metrics were fully met after 40 days.

On Friday, football executive Marcelo Paz met stadium and company representatives to launch a taskforce to improve the surface. Stadium manager Marcio De Luna had set out a post-match meeting earlier.

The company is following a specific protocol with the stadium team to consolidate the root system.

Source: Meu Timao