The China Mail - NFL players chief raises concerns over pitch for Maracana game

The NFL will stage its first ever fixture in Rio on Sunday at the Maracana as part of the league's ambitious international expansion strategy.

However the state of the Maracana pitch has been a simmering controversy for days leading into the fixture following complaints at the playing surface by Brazilian soccer players last week.

On Friday, NFL Players Association (NFLPA) executive director JC Tretter said slippery conditions at the Maracana were "more of a playability and performance issue than a significant injury concern."

Tretter said in a statement that NFLPA and league experts had determined the field needed "reinforced stitching" to help improve traction and stability.

"Our experts will remain engaged and continue evaluating conditions through kickoff," Tretter said.

However Tretter said the quality of the pitch risked diminishing Sunday's game as a spectacle, and questioned whether future international matches should be held in stadia where pitch conditions could not be guaranteed.

"Our guys are exceptional at what they do, and I'm confident they'll put on a terrific game in Rio this week... Players can overcome a lot. But they shouldn't have to overcome the field," Tretter said.

"The NFL has been clear they want to continue to grow the game internationally. However, growth alone cannot be the goal. The goal has to be growing the game while maintaining the standards our players deserve. If we can't do both, then we need to make different decisions."

Cowboys and Ravens players have played down the potential significance of the pitch conditions ahead of this weekend's game.

"I believe the NFL does a great job at having their specialists go out there and look over the fields. I can't worry about that," Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson said earlier this week.

"We've played on bad fields plenty of times, so I cannot really dwell on that," the two-time NFL Most Valuable Player added.

Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer was also unfazed.

"I have no concerns," Schottenheimer said. "I'm aware of some of the quotes and stuff, but again, I trust that the league's going to make the right decision and they'll get the field up to standard."

V.Liu--ThChM